After a Pakistani airstrike that killed eight innocent people, including three local cricketers, in Paktika Province of Afghanistan near the border, Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan has removed the name of Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Lahore Qalandars from his bio on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
The three victims, Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, were killed when they returned from a friendly match in Sharana, the provincial capital. After Rashid had vehemently criticized the Pakistani regime for what he referred to as a "cowardly act," he removed the franchise's name from his bio, a move that has led to speculation of him boycotting the PSL altogether.
The young 27-year-old wrist spinner who became part of the Qalandars in 2021 would not have been able to achieve any of the three PSL titles that her team won without his contribution, including the last season's championship.
Afghan players such as Rashid Khan unite in condemnation
Rashid, who has been part of Lahore Qalandars since 2021 and helped the team clinch three PSL titles, including the most recent one, said he was “deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani aerial strikes on Afghanistan.” He called the attacks “immoral and barbaric,” stressing that targeting civilians violates human rights. “In light of the innocent souls lost, I welcome the ACB’s decision to withdraw from upcoming fixtures against Pakistan. Our national dignity must come before all else,” he wrote on X.
Veteran all-rounder Samiullah Shinwari and opener Sediqullah Atal echoed Rashid’s sentiments. Shinwari said the killings had left “the entire cricket family and nation in sorrow,” offering condolences to the victims’ families. Atal also condemned the strikes, terming them “inhuman acts” and voicing full support for the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s withdrawal from the tri-series involving Pakistan. The tragic incident has united Afghanistan’s cricketing community in grief and defiance, with players demanding accountability and dignity for their nation.
