ICC has already condemned the tragic loss of three Afghan cricketers in Paktika province.
With fresh airstrikes on Afghan territory, Pakistan didn’t only break the ceasefire but also shook the cricketing fraternity.
“The International Cricket Council (ICC) is deeply saddened and appalled by the tragic deaths of three young and promising Afghan cricketers, Kabeer Agha, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, who lost their lives in a recent airstrike in Afghanistan’s Paktika province.”
“The three young men had returned home after participating in a friendly cricket match when they were killed in an attack that also claimed the lives of several civilians. The ICC strongly condemns this act of violence that has robbed families, communities, and the cricketing world of three bright talents whose only ambition was to play the sport they loved.”
“The ICC stands in solidarity with the Afghanistan Cricket Board and echoes their grief,” the apex body’s statement read.
Later, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) wrote on X that ICC released the statement against Pakistan’s act of violence on its appeal, highlighting the “neutrality” of the Jay Shah-led body. It also requested the global body to take “decisive” action against Pakistan.
“The Afghanistan Cricket Board extends its sincere gratitude to the @ICC for issuing its statement following the ACB’s appeal. This gesture genuinely reflects the ICC’s neutrality, compassion, and commitment to fairness in expressing its sorrow and sympathy over the tragic martyrdom of young domestic cricketers in Afghanistan,” ACB tweeted.
“The ACB has consistently upheld the principle of keeping sports separate from politics and has maintained this stance within the framework of the ICC. The Afghanistan Cricket Board once again strongly condemns this act of violence. While deeply appreciating the ICC’s expression of solidarity, the ACB urges the implementation of firm and decisive measures against those responsible for this inhumane attack,” it added.
Hours after the tragedy on Friday, the ACB announced its decision to pull out of the upcoming tri-nation series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Afghanistan won't be travelling to Lahore for the T20I tri-series, which was scheduled to be played from November 17 to 29.
“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,” ACB had said.