Afghan cricketers killed in a reported Pakistani airstrike in Paktika Province have left the country’s sporting community reeling. The mid-October 2025 strike took the lives of three young players and several civilians, and it prompted the Afghanistan Cricket Board to withdraw the national team from a scheduled tri-nation T20 series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
What happened in Paktika?
According to reports, the Afghan cricketers killed were victims of an airstrike carried out by Pakistani forces on 17 October 2025 in Urgun District, near the border. The ACB confirmed that Kabeer Agha, Sibghatullah, and Haroon were among the dead. They were returning home after playing a friendly match in Sharana.
The strike also killed five civilians and injured seven others. Moreover, the ACB condemned the assault as “a cowardly act carried out by the Pakistani regime,” saying the players were “targeted during a gathering.”
Growing border tensions
The tragedy unfolded amid renewed tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan. After a brief ceasefire during talks in Doha, fighting resumed. As a result, exchanges of fire and airstrikes have once again become common along the border. Both countries blame each other for harboring militants. Consequently, the deaths of athletes have intensified international concern about civilian safety and regional stability.
Reactions from the cricket world
Cricket fans and players across Afghanistan expressed deep anger and grief. Captain Rashid Khan described the strike as “immoral and barbaric.” He also supported the ACB’s decision to withdraw from the upcoming series. Meanwhile, the ACB announced that Afghanistan would skip the tournament in Rawalpindi and Lahore “as a gesture of respect to the victims.”
Other cricketers around the region have echoed the call for peace. They stressed that athletes should never become casualties of political conflict.
The lives behind the loss
Local media have shared short profiles of the Afghan cricketers killed:
- Kabeer Agha – A top-order batter from Urgun, once considered for the U-23 provincial squad.
- Sibghatullah – A disciplined medium-fast bowler known for his calm leadership in local leagues.
- Haroon – A right-handed all-rounder balancing academics with sport, recently admitted to a youth development camp.
Their deaths have left a deep void in Afghan cricket. Furthermore, they remind the world that war touches even those who live for games and community.
Why it matters
This tragedy carries broader implications:
- For sport: It shows how war can destroy not only lives but also dreams.
- For diplomacy: The ACB’s withdrawal underlines that sport cannot remain separate from politics when players die in conflict.
- For civilians: It highlights the urgent need for protection in border regions.
- For peace efforts: Each violent incident makes reconciliation harder and deepens mistrust.
What happens next?
The ACB is expected to review future engagements with Pakistan. Diplomats in Qatar are watching closely to see whether the incident derails peace talks. International sports bodies may also face pressure to act when athletes become victims of violence.
In the end, rebuilding hope will take time. Yet, through unity and dialogue, Afghanistan’s cricket community aims to turn grief into a renewed call for peace — proving that even after tragedy, the spirit of the game can endure.
Sources: The Afghan Times
For more on current events, check out our full coverage of the Why Pakistan Watches the Durand Line So Closely Now and stay updated on the latest developments.
