NEW DELHI: The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Saturday voiced deep sorrow over the deaths of three Afghan cricketers killed in a Pakistani airstrike in Paktika province. In response to the tragic incident, the ACB announced its decision to pull out of the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I series that was set to feature Pakistan.

In a statement posted on X, the ACB said, "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."

According to the ACB, the three players - Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon - were among eight people who lost their lives in the airstrike that struck the Urgun district. Seven others sustained injuries in the attack.

The ACB stated that the cricketers had recently travelled to Sharana, the capital of Paktika province, to take part in a friendly match. The tragedy occurred after they returned to their hometown in Urgun and were caught in the strike during a local gathering.

"In this heartbreaking incident, three players (Kabeer, Sibghatullah and Haroon), alongside 5 other fellow countrymen from Urgun District, were martyred, and seven others were injured. The players had earlier travelled to Sharana, the capital of Paktika province, to participate in a friendly cricket match. After returning home to Urgun, they were targeted during a gathering," the board stated.

"The ACB considers this a great loss for Afghanistan's sports community, its athletes, and the cricketing family. The ACB also extends its deepest condolences and solidarity to the bereaved families of the martyrs and to the people of Paktika Province," it added.

Following the tragic incident, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) declared its decision to withdraw from the Tri-Nation T20I series slated for late November, which was set to include Pakistan and Sri Lanka alongside Afghanistan.

"In response of this tragic incident and as a gesture of respect to the victims, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has decided to withdraw from participating in the upcoming Tri-Nation T201 Series involving Pakistan, scheduled to be played in late November," the statement read.

The ACB concluded its message with prayers for the deceased, stating, "May Allah (SWT) grant the martyrs the highest ranks in Jannah, bless the injured with a speedy recovery, and grant their families patience, reward, and strength during this time of immense grief."

Earlier on Friday, Pakistan conducted a series of airstrikes in Afghanistan's southeastern Paktika province, marking a breach of the recent ceasefire agreement between the two neighbouring countries, as reported by Tolo News.

According to Tolo News, citing sources, the airstrikes reportedly targeted residential areas in the Urgun and Barmal districts of the country, causing significant civilian casualties.
These deadly strikes come amid a 48-hour ceasefire agreement between the two nations following days of intense cross-border clashes.

Earlier, Pakistan also called for an extension of the ceasefire until the end of the ongoing Doha negotiations aimed at easing tensions and preventing cross-border violence.