by Afghanistan has withdrawn from the T20I tri-nation series in Pakistan following the tragic deaths of three cricketers in a cross-border airstrike.
The tournament will go ahead with Zimbabwe replacing Afghanistan.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced the decision on Friday after confirming that three players – Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon – were killed in Paktika province while returning from a friendly match.
The board called it a “great loss” and said the withdrawal was to honor the victims.
Afghanistan Pulls Out of Pakistan Tri-Series After Airstrike Deaths
ICC and Cricket World Respond
The International Cricket Council expressed deep sadness over the incident and condemned the violence that took the lives of the young cricketers.
Afghan stars Rashid Khan and Gulbadin Naib supported the ACB’s decision on social media, mourning the loss of their fellow players.
Key Points:
- Three Afghan cricketers killed in airstrike in Paktika province
- ACB withdrew from the tri-series as a mark of respect
- ICC issued a statement calling the deaths “tragic and appalling”
- Players and fans across the cricket world expressed grief
Pakistan Confirms Tri-Series Will Continue
Despite Afghanistan’s exit, the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed the tri-series will proceed from November 17 to 29.
Zimbabwe accepted the invitation and will join Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the tournament. Matches will be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
The final is scheduled for November 29 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Match Schedule:
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 17 | Pakistan vs Zimbabwe | Rawalpindi |
| Nov 19 | Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe | Rawalpindi |
| Nov 22 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Lahore |
| Nov 23 | Pakistan vs Zimbabwe | Lahore |
| Nov 25 | Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe | Lahore |
| Nov 27 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Lahore |
| Nov 29 | Final | Lahore |
Border Tensions Rise
The airstrikes are part of an ongoing military conflict along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
Pakistan says it targeted terrorist hideouts of the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group and denies hitting civilians.
Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar called claims of civilian deaths “false” and said they were meant to support terrorist groups.
Afghanistan officials report civilian casualties, including the three cricketers.
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
Political Statements
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi expressed disappointment with Afghanistan’s response, saying Pakistan had always supported its neighbor.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned: “Wherever the source of terrorism lies, it will have to pay a heavy price.”
A 48-hour ceasefire was negotiated with Qatar’s help, but fresh attacks quickly followed.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said talks would only continue if Afghanistan takes meaningful steps.
What does this mean for Cricket?
The withdrawal marks another setback in cricket relations between the two countries.
The tri-series was meant to be preparation for next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
With no talks planned between the governments, cricket ties remain uncertain for now.
The loss of three young cricketers has reminded the world that sport cannot escape the impact of regional conflict.
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