Afghanistan pulls out of tri-nation series involving Pakistan after 3 cricketers killed in Islamabad's strike

The cricketers who died have been identified as Kabeer, Sibghatullah and Haroon.

The ACB wrote on X, "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.

"... The players had earlier traveled 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."

Announcing the pullout from the series between Afghanistan, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the cricket board added, "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 T20I Series involving Pakistan, scheduled to be played in late November."

Afghan star cricketer Rashid Khan has lashed out at Pakistan for targeting civilian infrastructure and welcomed ACB's decision to pull out of the tri-series.

The allrounder wrote on X, "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.

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

Hours after Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to extend their 48-hour ceasefire, Taliban on Friday accused Islamabad of carrying out airstrikes in several districts of Paktika province, which lies along the Durand Line, media reports said.

According to TOLOnews, the strikes targeted residential areas in the Argun and Bermal districts near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

The fresh escalation has raised concerns over the fragility of the ceasefire agreement between the two sides, which was extended after days of border clashes and diplomatic tensions.