Tragic Loss: ICC and BCCI Mourn Afghan Cricketers Killed in Strike

The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have expressed strong condemnation following the reported deaths of three Afghan cricketers in a cross-border incident in Afghanistan’s Paktika province. This tragic event has prompted the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) to withdraw from the upcoming T20I tri-series in Pakistan.

The ICC released a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of Kabeer Agha, Sibghatullah, and Haroon. These young cricketers were reportedly killed in an airstrike shortly after participating in a friendly cricket match. The statement criticized the violence that claimed these potential cricket stars, highlighting the significant loss to families, communities, and the global cricket community.

Similarly, the BCCI aligned with the ICC’s position, offering solidarity to the ACB, the broader cricketing community, and the families of the deceased players during this difficult time. The statement conveyed heartfelt condolences to the people of Afghanistan, denouncing the attack and its impact on innocent lives, especially those of promising sports talents.

The ACB, which made its withdrawal announcement earlier, described the attack in the Urgun district as a “tragic” event and a grave loss to Afghanistan’s sporting community. Their statement mourned the deaths of the local cricketers who were returning from a match in Sharana, the capital of Paktika province.

In contrast, Pakistan’s government challenged the claims, denying that the cricketers were killed in an airstrike. The Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, criticized the ICC’s comments on social media, labeling them as selective and unverified, and demanded immediate corrections.

Following this, the ACB expressed gratitude to the ICC for its support while reaffirming its position of keeping sports devoid of political interference. The board urged decisive action against those responsible for the violence, appreciating the ICC’s solidarity.

The T20I tri-series, initially set to be held from November 17 to 29 in Rawalpindi and Lahore and featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka, will now see Zimbabwe stepping in to replace Afghanistan. This series was intended to be Afghanistan’s first participation in a Pakistan-hosted event amidst strained diplomatic relations between the two countries. It would have been the second multi-team event involving Pakistan and Afghanistan following their earlier tri-series ahead of the Asia Cup.

Published on October 19, 2025.