Afghanistan have pulled out of the upcoming tri-nation series in Pakistan in the aftermath of tragedy.
Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has expressed deep sorrow over the killing of three Afghan cricketers in Pakistan’s recent airstrikes in the Urgun district of Paktika province.
Pakistan carried out fresh airstrikes in Afghanistan, which didn’t only break the ceasefire but also shook the cricketing fraternity.
Taking to X, Yuvraj wrote: "Heartfelt condolences to the families of the young #Afghanistan cricketers who lost their lives in the recent attack. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time. May their memories inspire peace & unity."
Another Indian cricketer who mourned the demise on social media was Irfan Pathan. “My prayers are with the innocent ppl of Afghanistan. Stay safe,” Pathan tweeted.
Hours after the tragedy, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced its decision to pull out of the upcoming T20I triangular series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
“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 ACB said in an official statement.
“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 statement added.
Afghanistan won't be travelling to Lahore for the tri-nation series, which was scheduled to be played from November 17 to 29.
“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,” the ACB said.
“In response to 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,” it further stated.
Afghanistan’s T20I skipper Rashid Khan also mourned the killing of three young cricketers and several civilians in Pakistani airstrikes, calling it a grave violation of human rights and welcomed ACB’s decision to withdraw from the upcoming fixtures against Pakistan.
Other Afghan cricketers like Fazalhaq Farooqi and Mohammad Nabi also condemned the attack, calling it an “unforgivable crime” and “a tragedy for the entire Afghan cricket family.”
Earlier, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi had written to the ICC, asking the apex body to keep the alternate plan ready if Afghanistan eventually pulled out of the tri-nation series.
Now, it remains to be seen what the ICC and PCB decide and which team eventually replaces Afghanistan in the series.