Several Afghan cricketers lost their lives in Pakistan's airstrike, prompting Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan to write a lengthy social media post.

Afghanistan cricket captain Rashid Khan has launched a scathing attack on Pakistan. Following the deaths of three young cricketers in airstrikes carried out by Pakistan in civilian areas of Afghanistan, he described the attacks as completely immoral and barbaric. Rashid Khan's reaction came after the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced the team's withdrawal from next month's tri-series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Three players lost their lives

The Afghanistan Cricket Board's (ACB) decision comes after Pakistan carried out a series of airstrikes along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, killing several civilians, including three young players. The tri-series, scheduled to be held in Lahore and Rawalpindi from November 5th to 29th, is now shrouded in uncertainty. Rashid Khan also issued a statement expressing his deep sorrow over the tragedy and solidarity with the families of the victims.

Statement of Condolence

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.

In… pic.twitter.com/YkenImtuVR

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) October 17, 2025

An ACB statement claimed that three young cricketers were killed during attacks on civilian residences in Paktika province. The Afghanistan Cricket Board said the players had traveled from Urgun to Sharana in eastern Paktika province, near the Pakistan border, to participate in a friendly match. "While returning home in Urgun, they were attacked during a gathering," the board said. The board termed it a cowardly attack by the Pakistani regime.

Who are the 3 players who died?

The three players killed were identified as Kabir, Sibghatullah, and Haroon. Five other people were also killed in the attack. Dozens of people have been killed on both sides in the fighting. A brief 48-hour ceasefire followed, but it was broken after Pakistan reportedly carried out airstrikes targeting residential areas in the Argun and Barmal districts along the Durand Line in Afghanistan's Paktika province. The Taliban called these attacks a violation of the ceasefire.

Rashid Khan expressed his anger

In a statement released on social media, Rashid Khan expressed his deep sorrow and anger. "I am deeply saddened by the news of civilian casualties in the recent Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan," Rashid wrote. "A tragedy that has taken the lives of women, children, and aspiring young cricketers who dreamed of representing their country on the world stage," he said.

I am deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani aerial strikes on Afghanistan. A tragedy that claimed the lives of women, children, and aspiring young cricketers who dreamed of representing their nation on the world stage.

It is absolutely immoral and…

— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) October 17, 2025

Rashid added, "The targeting of civilian infrastructure is completely immoral and barbaric. These unjust and illegal actions constitute a serious violation of human rights and should not be ignored."

PC:NBT