Kabul, Afghanistan has withdrawn from the upcoming triangular T20 series involving Pakistan, calling it a cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani regime following the killing of three Afghan cricketers in Paktika. The series between Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka was scheduled to be played from November 17 to 29 in Rawalpindi and Lahore.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board stated in a bitter statement that they are deeply saddened by the martyrdom of their players Kabir, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, who were killed along with five others in Paktika province’s Argun district while returning from playing a friendly match in the provincial capital Sharana. Seven others were injured in the incident.

The ACB stated in a statement that the Afghanistan Cricket Board expresses sorrow over the martyrdom of its brave cricketers in Argun district of Paktika province. The Pakistani regime targeted them in a cowardly attack.

Afghanistan Withdraws from Triangular Series

It was stated that this is a major loss for Afghanistan’s sports world, players, and cricket family. In expressing condolences to the victims and in response to this incident, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has decided to withdraw from the triangular T20 series scheduled for late November in Pakistan.

The statement said that may Allah grant paradise to all the martyrs and speedy recovery to the injured. According to various reports, Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Argun and Barmal districts of Paktika province, which has also ended the ceasefire between the two countries.

Star spinner Rashid Khan condemned this attack, stating that he is deeply saddened by the deaths of civilians in Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan. He wrote in a statement on X that attacking civilian locations is immoral and barbaric. This unjust and illegal action violates human rights and should be given attention.

Rashid’s Statement About Not Playing the Series

Rashid said that given the deaths of innocent people, he stands with ACB’s decision not to play the upcoming series with Pakistan. He stands with his country’s people during difficult times. Nothing is more important than our country’s dignity.

Former captain Gulbadin Naib said that they are saddened by the cowardly military attack in Argun, Paktika, which claimed the lives of many innocent civilians and cricketers. He stated that this cruel action by the Pakistani army is an attack on our people, our pride, and our independence, but it will not break the Afghan spirit.

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All-rounder Samiullah Shinwari said that he is saddened by the news of the martyrdom of our brave players in Argun district of Paktika, who were attacked by the Pakistani military regime after a friendly cricket match. He wrote on X that this is tragic not just for Paktika but for the entire country and cricket community. He expresses condolences to the victims’ families and the people of Paktika. We will never forget their memories and sacrifice.

Paktika province

Paktika is a mountainous province in southeastern Afghanistan, historically inhabited by Pashtun tribes. It has been a strategically significant region due to its location along the border with Pakistan. In recent history, it has been a focal point of conflict during the Soviet-Afghan War and the subsequent conflicts of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Rawalpindi

Rawalpindi is a historic city in northern Pakistan that served as a temporary national capital before the construction of Islamabad. It has a rich history dating back centuries and was an important military garrison town during British rule. Today, it forms part of the Islamabad-Rawalpindi metropolitan area, known for its bustling bazaars and historic landmarks.

Lahore

Lahore is a major cultural, historical, and economic center in Pakistan, often called the country’s cultural heart. It boasts a rich history dating back over a millennium, having served as a capital for various empires, including the Mughals, whose architectural legacy is visible in landmarks like the Lahore Fort and the Badshahi Mosque. The city’s vibrant bazaars, food scene, and literary traditions continue to reflect its deep historical significance.

Argun district

The Argun district is a region in the Chechen Republic of Russia, with its main city also named Argun. Historically, a key defensive fortress was established there in the 19th century during the Russian Empire’s Caucasian War. The city and district have been significantly rebuilt in the 21st century after suffering extensive damage during the Chechen conflicts of the 1990s.

Sharana

Sharana is a spiritual and community center in Colombia that focuses on healing and social transformation, particularly for victims of the country’s armed conflict. It was founded in the early 2000s, drawing on indigenous and modern psychological practices to help individuals and communities process trauma. The center’s work is rooted in the principles of reconciliation and rebuilding social fabric through collective rituals and therapeutic activities.

Barmal district

The Barmal district is located in the Paktika Province of eastern Afghanistan, near the border with Pakistan. Historically, it is a rural and mountainous area primarily inhabited by the Zadran Pashtun tribe. The district has been a significant area during various conflicts in Afghanistan due to its strategic location.