In a tragic turn of events, Afghanistan has pulled out of the upcoming tri-nation series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka. This decision comes after 3 Afghan cricketers were killed in a deadly attack near the Pakistan border. The players, identified as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, were traveling from Urgun to Sharana in Paktika province to participate in a friendly match when they were targeted during a gathering, which the ACB condemned as a “cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani regime.”
Statement of Condolence
The Afghanistan Cricket Board expresses its deepest sorrow and grief over the tragic martyrdom of the brave cricketers from Urgun District in Paktika Province, who were targeted this evening in a cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani regime.
In… pic.twitter.com/YkenImtuVR
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) October 17, 2025
Cricket Community in Shock
The incident also claimed 5 other lives, leaving the Afghan cricketing community in shock. Wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz prayed for the victims souls, while internationals Fazalhaq Farooqi and Mohammad Nabi called it a “heinous crime” affecting the entire nation.
