Afghanistan pulled out of the forthcoming Twenty20 International tri-series in Pakistan after three teenage Afghan cricket players were reportedly killed in recent airstrikes in the country’s Paktika area. The series, which was originally supposed to start in Lahore on November 17, was supposed to include Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) protested by announcing that it will be withdrawing from the event.
The difficult relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan has become even more strained as a result of the unfortunate event.
The Pakistani government committed a “cowardly act” by killing the players Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon as well as other civilians in the airstrikes, according to the ACB. According to the ACB, the decision to withdraw was made out of respect for the victims and solidarity with their families.
“In light of this terrible event and as a show of respect for the victims, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has made the decision to not play in the Tri-Nation T20I Series against Pakistan that is set for late November. The courageous cricket players from Urgun District in Paktika Province were the victims of a cruel attack this evening by the Pakistani regime, and the Afghanistan Cricket Board is deeply saddened and grieved for their untimely murder.
This is a huge loss for Afghanistan’s athletes, cricketing community, and sports community, according to the ACB. Additionally, the ACB expressed its sincere sympathies and solidarity with the families of the martyrs and the people of Paktika Province, according to a statement released by the organization.
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Rashid Khan, an Afghan captain, denounced the act as well. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has stated that the tri-series will go as scheduled in spite of the setback, and a replacement squad will likely be revealed shortly. The final is set for November 29 and all games will take place at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
“The Tri-Series will continue on its planned course even after Afghanistan leaves. We are considering a new team, and we will make the announcement as soon as it is decided,” a top PCB official stated on Saturday.
Three cricket boards—Zimbabwe, Nepal, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—are reportedly already in active talks with the PCB to replace the vacancy left by Afghanistan. Sources claim that Zimbabwe is leading the race since the PCB favors a country that plays Test matches as a full member.
The International Cricket Council (ICC), meanwhile, issued a statement expressing its profound sadness over the Afghan cricket players’ passing. The ICC expressed sympathy to the ACB and the impacted families and denounced the violence.
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