Rashid Khan criticises Pakistan for the incident that claimed the lives of three young Afghan cricketers
A wave of grief and anger swept across Afghanistan following deadly airstrikes by Pakistan that killed eight civilians, including three promising young cricketers, in Paktika province. The incident has drawn fierce condemnation from Afghanistan’s cricket captain Rashid Khan, who described the attacks as “immoral, barbaric, and inhumane” and called for international attention to the violation of human rights.
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 on the world stage.
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) October 17, 2025
It is absolutely immoral and…
Rashid Khan’s Emotional Statement
Taking to social media, Rashid Khan expressed his heartbreak over the deaths of aspiring cricketers Kabir, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, who were reportedly returning from a friendly match in Sharana before being caught in the airstrikes in Urgun. “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 on the world stage,” Rashid wrote. He added, “It is absolutely immoral and barbaric to target civilian infrastructure. These unjust and unlawful actions represent a grave violation of human rights and must not go unnoticed”.
Statement of Condolence
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) October 17, 2025
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 Withdraws from Series
In protest of the killings, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced its immediate withdrawal from an upcoming tri-nation T20 series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Rashid Khan supported this decision, declaring, “In light of the precious innocent souls lost, I welcome the ACB’s decision of withdrawing from upcoming fixtures against Pakistan. I stand with our people at this difficult time; our national dignity must come before all else”.
ACB and National Outrage
The ACB released a statement mourning the loss of the three cricketers and other casualties, describing it as a great tragedy and a significant loss for Afghanistan’s sporting community. The board called the attack a “cowardly” act by the Pakistani regime and urged that the rights and dignity of innocent Afghan lives be respected.
Growing Tensions Amid Broken Ceasefire
The airstrikes, which broke a short-lived ceasefire, targeted residential areas along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border, igniting further hostilities just as both nations were engaged in talks in Doha. The incident has deepened mistrust and resentment in Afghanistan, with athletes, government officials, and citizens rallying in solidarity against the aggression.
This tragedy has spotlighted the intertwining of conflict and sports in crisis regions, with athletes and sporting bodies now taking principled stands in defense of national dignity and the lives of the innocent.
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