In a powerful statement of protest, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced its withdrawal from the upcoming tri-nation T20I series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka, following the killing of three Afghan cricketers in what it described as a “cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani regime.” The series was originally scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore from November 17 to 29. The ACB said its decision was made out of respect for the victims and as a mark of solidarity with the grieving families.

According to the ACB, the slain players — Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon — along with several others from Urgun District in Paktika Province, were attacked after returning from a friendly match in Sharana. Seven more individuals were reportedly injured. The board condemned the incident in strong terms, calling it “a great loss to Afghanistan’s sports community and cricketing family.” It further prayed for the martyrs to be granted the highest ranks in Jannah and for the speedy recovery of the injured.

The incident comes amid escalating tensions between Kabul and Islamabad following Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province. Afghan cricketer Rashid Khan also voiced his outrage, calling the strikes “immoral and barbaric” and a “violation of human rights.” Expressing his support for the ACB’s decision, Rashid emphasized that national dignity must take precedence over cricketing ties. The withdrawal underscores the growing strain between the two nations, both on and off the field.