Quick highlights
- Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has withdrawn from the November tri-nation T20 series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka after a late-night attack killed three Afghan cricketers.
- The ACB named the victims as Kabeer, Sibghatullah and Haroon and said several others were injured.
- Afghan players and officials condemned the attack; the decision intensifies tensions between the two countries amid cross-border strikes.
What happened
Three Afghan cricketers were killed in a late-night attack in Paktika province, eastern Afghanistan. The ACB says the players were returning from a local match and were targeted while at a gathering; multiple people were also injured. In response, the board pulled Afghanistan out of the scheduled T20 tri-series in Pakistan next month.
Where it happened
The strikes occurred in the Urgun/Sharana area of Paktika province near the Pakistan border. Reports cite local and national Afghan sources naming the location and the victims.
When it happened
The attack and the ACB’s withdrawal were reported on 18 October 2025; the tri-nation series had been due to run from 17–29 November 2025.
How and why the series was called off
The ACB described the killings as a “cowardly” act and said continuing to play in Pakistan would be impossible while security and political tensions remain high. The decision is both a safety response and a political statement against the strikes. Afghan players publicly expressed grief and outrage.
Why it matters
- Sports diplomacy collapses when security breaks down: cancellations strain cricket ties and regional relations.
- For Afghanistan, the move affects World Cup preparation and player morale ahead of important fixtures.
- Fans lose a rare chance to see Afghanistan play Pakistan at home/neutral venues — and sport loses some of its ability to bridge conflict.
Stay connected with Unwires.com for more Global stories, guides, and inspiration.
After all, every great journey begins with a spark — and Unwires is that spark.
