Kabul: In a heartbreaking turn of events, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has officially withdrawn from the upcoming tri-nation T20 series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka, following the deaths of three Afghan cricketers in a cross-border attack in Paktika province.
The tri-series, which was scheduled to take place between November 17 and 29 in Rawalpindi and Lahore, was being organised by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). However, the ACB announced its withdrawal late Friday night, describing the attack that claimed the lives of the players as “cowardly” and “unforgivable.”
In an official statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the ACB expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. “The Afghanistan Cricket Board expresses its deepest grief over the martyrdom of brave cricketers from Urgun District in Paktika Province, who were targeted in a cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani regime,” the board wrote.
The statement further said that as a mark of respect to the victims, Afghanistan will no longer participate in the upcoming tri-series. The board added that it stands in solidarity with the families of the deceased players and the broader Afghan cricket community.
According to local media reports, the victims were young cricketers returning home from Sharana, the provincial capital, after playing a friendly match. Their deaths have sparked widespread anger and mourning across Afghanistan, with several former players and fans urging the government to take a firm stance.
