Rashid Khan slams 'barbaric' Pakistan airstrikes killing 3 Afghan cricketers

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan lashed out at Pakistan following the killing of three local cricketers in air strikes on civilian areas, describing the attack as “absolutely immoral and barbaric.” His remarks came after the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced the team’s withdrawal from next month’s tri-nation series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

The ACB’s decision follows a series of Pakistani air strikes along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border that claimed several civilian lives, including the three young players. The tri-series, scheduled to be held in Lahore and Rawalpindi from November 5 to 29, has now been thrown into uncertainty. Rashid also released a statement expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy and solidarity with the victims’ families.

An ACB statement claimed that three young cricketers had lost their lives during attacks on civilian housing in Paktika province. The Afghanistan Cricket Board said the players had travelled from Urgun to Sharana in eastern Paktika province, near the Pakistan border, to participate in a friendly match. "After returning home to Urgun, they were targeted during a gathering," the board stated, calling it "a cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani regime."

The three players killed were identified as Kabeer, Sibghatullah and Haroon, while five others also lost their lives in the attack. The fighting, which has claimed dozens of lives on both sides, resulted in a brief 48-hour ceasefire that was later broken after Pakistan allegedly launched airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province, targeting residential areas in the Argun and Bermal districts along the Durand Line. The Taliban denounced the strikes as a breach of the truce, even as delegations from both nations were in Doha for talks aimed at defusing the crisis.

The ACB did not provide further details but said it "considers this a great loss for Afghanistan's sports community, its athletes, and the cricketing family," extending its "deepest condolences and solidarity to the bereaved families." The board added that the decision to withdraw from next month's tri-series was made "as a gesture of respect to the victims."

In his statement on social media, Rashid expressed profound grief and anger.

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani aerial strikes on Afghanistan," Rashid wrote. "A tragedy that claimed the lives of women, children, and aspiring young cricketers who dreamed of representing their nation on the world stage."

Rashid was direct and uncompromising in his criticism of the Pakistani attacks, urging that the "grave violation of human rights" be addressed on the international stage. Pakistan's air strikes late on Friday reportedly broke the ceasefire truce between the two nations, reigniting a fresh wave of border clashes.

"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," continued Rashid.

Ultimately, the Afghan skipper backed the ACB's decision to withdraw from the upcoming tri-series, which was set to be contested between Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka in Pakistan next month.

"In light of the precious innocent souls lost, I welcome the ACB's decision to withdraw from upcoming fixtures against Pakistan. I stand with our people at this difficult time; our national dignity must come before all else," concluded Rashid Khan.