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Pakistan18 October, 20252 min read

Pakistan Military Kills Three Afghan Cricketers in Drone Airstrike, Sparks Afghanistan Withdrawal from Tournament

Three Afghan cricketers—Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon—were killed in Pakistani airstrikes in Paktika province. The Afghanistan Cricket Board withdrew from the upcoming tri-nation T20 series in Pakistan following the airstrike.

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Pakistan Military Kills Three Afghan Cricketers in Drone Airstrike, Sparks Afghanistan Withdrawal from Tournament
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90 outlets told this the same way.

Afghanistan Cricket Team Withdrawal

Afghanistan’s cricket board withdrew its national team from a Pakistan-hosted T20 tri-series after three Afghan domestic cricketers — Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon — were killed in airstrikes in Paktika’s Urgun district shortly after returning from a friendly match in Sharana. The Afghanistan Cricket Board condemned the incident as a “cowardly” attack and framed the withdrawal as a mark of respect and national dignity. Captain Rashid Khan denounced the strikes as “immoral” and “barbaric.”

“The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) condemned the attack as a ‘cowardly’ act by Pakistan...”
NDTV

Scheduling details vary by outlet: some report the series was set for November 17–29 in Rawalpindi and Lahore, while others list a broader November 5–29 window. Several outlets describe the strikes as Pakistani military action amid ongoing cross‑border tensions; some qualify the attribution as alleged.

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Image: The CSR Journal
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Ceasefire Violations and Casualties

Outlets differ on the ceasefire context, targets, and death tolls. West Asian coverage says the strikes breached a short truce and targeted the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group. Afghan officials reported civilian casualties in residential areas.

Casualty figures diverge: some say 'at least 10,' others 'at least 17,' while broader reporting references 'dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries' amid a week of cross‑border violence. Western mainstream and West Asian sources also highlight that Pakistan framed the operations as precision strikes on militants linked to the TTP, a claim Kabul disputes.

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Image: Hindustan Times
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Cricket Community Reacts to Withdrawal

The cricket world’s response ranged from solemn tributes to immediate contingency planning. The New Indian Express reports ICC chairman Jay Shah offered condolences as Pakistan invited Zimbabwe to replace Afghanistan for the tri-series. Mint notes PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi asked the ICC to prepare a backup plan.

“International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah expressed condolences... Zimbabwe has been invited by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to replace Afghanistan... The tri-series will run from November 17 to 29...”
The New Indian Express

Business Today calls Afghanistan’s withdrawal a setback to Pakistan’s bid to revive international cricket at home. The Straits Times and Sky Sports focus on the tournament window and Afghanistan’s stated motive — respect for victims amid grief in the sports community.

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Diplomatic Responses to Strikes

Diplomatic narratives about recent events differ significantly. West Asian and Asian media highlight Pakistan’s justification of 'precision' strikes targeting Hafiz Gul Bahadur and its denial of civilian casualties. Afghan officials, meanwhile, promise accountability and warn of retaliation.

The Taliban leadership has, for the moment, chosen not to respond militarily amid ongoing talks in Doha. United Nations reports indicate extensive civilian harm during the wider clashes. Interestingly, one West Asian source claims that Pakistan, not Afghanistan, withdrew from the tri-series, which contradicts most other reports.

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Details of Fatal Strike Incident

Key facts about the incident remain contested. Most outlets place the fatal strike in Paktika’s Urgun after the players returned from Sharana, with some also citing hits in Barmal. Other reports mention additional or different locations, including Kabul and Kandahar’s Spin Boldak.

“The players had traveled from Urgun to Sharana for a friendly match and were targeted during a gathering after returning home...”
NDTV

Reported death tolls vary from eight to 'at least 10' to 17 and beyond, with some sources adding injuries. Given these discrepancies across credible outlets, precise totals and exact strike locations beyond Paktika cannot be independently reconciled from the reporting provided.

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Image: Arab News
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