Afghanistan’s leading cricketers, led by captain Rashid Khan, have strongly condemned Pakistan following reports that three Afghan cricketers and five civilians were killed in a Pakistani airstrike in Afghanistan’s Urgun District on Friday. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the deaths, sparking outrage across the cricketing fraternity and further straining relations between the two neighbouring nations.

The deadly incident comes amid ongoing border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which have reportedly claimed dozens of lives over recent weeks. Although a two-day ceasefire was declared, Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership has accused Pakistan of violating it, warning of further retaliation. Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, stated that Taliban forces killed at least 58 Pakistani soldiers in response to the attacks.

In light of these escalating tensions, the ACB announced its withdrawal from the upcoming tri-series in Pakistan that was to include Sri Lanka as the third participant. The series, scheduled between November 17 and 29 in Rawalpindi and Lahore, now stands uncertain.

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Expressing his anguish, Rashid Khan issued a heartfelt statement condemning the violence. “I am deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani aerial strikes on Afghanistan — a tragedy that claimed the lives of women, children, and aspiring young cricketers who dreamed of representing their nation,” said Rashid, who captained Afghanistan in the 2025 Asia Cup and the tri-series preceding it in the UAE.

.@rashidkhan_19 was a major contributor to Afghanistan’s success in the Etisalat Cup ODI series against Bangladesh as he picked up 11 wickets in three matches. Watch his terrific bowling highlights in the third match. 👏#AfghanAtalan | #AFGvBAN2025 |… pic.twitter.com/y8F4V7TWTW

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) October 15, 2025

Calling the attacks “immoral and barbaric,” Rashid Khan urged for accountability and justice, adding, “Targeting civilian infrastructure is a grave violation of human rights. I support the ACB’s decision to withdraw from upcoming fixtures against Pakistan. Our national dignity must come before everything else.”

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Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi echoed similar sentiments, describing the airstrike as a “national tragedy.” He said, “The martyrdom of young cricketers in this brutal attack is not just a loss for Paktika but for the entire Afghan cricket family.”

Fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi also condemned the killings, calling them a “heinous, unforgivable crime.” He prayed for the victims’ souls and demanded divine justice, declaring, “The killing of players and civilians is not honor — it is the deepest disgrace. Long live Afghanistan.”