8 Afghan cricketers killed in Pakistan attack. Afghanistan has decided to withdraw from participating in the upcoming triangular T-20 series.
SNPNEWS.IN News Update (Gurmail Kamboj): After the US completely relinquished control of Afghanistan and handed over power to the Taliban on 30 August 2021, the border dispute between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been ongoing.
On 9 October, Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Kabul, Khost, Jalalabad and Paktika in Afghanistan. TTP leader Noor Wali Mehsud was targeted. After which the border and regional dispute between the two countries is seen to be increasing continuously.
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On 17 October, ToLo News reported that eight club-level cricketers have been killed and four others have been injured in airstrikes carried out by the Pakistani army on Paktika. The players were returning from Sharana, the capital of Paktika, to Arghun district after finishing their matches when they were targeted by a bomb. According to the ACB, the attack killed 3 Afghan cricketers and 5 others.
ACB’s condolence statement
The Afghanistan Cricket Board expresses its deep sorrow and grief over the tragic martyrdom of the brave cricketers of Arghun district of Paktika province, who were targeted in a cowardly attack by the Pakistani regime this evening.
In this heartbreaking incident, three players lost their lives along with 5 other fellow countrymen from Arghun district, and seven others were injured.
The players had earlier gone to Sharana, the capital of Paktika province, to participate in a friendly cricket match. After returning home to Arghun, they were targeted during a gathering.
The ACB considers this a great loss to the sports community of Afghanistan, its players and the cricket family. The ACB also expresses its deepest condolences and solidarity with the bereaved families of the martyrs and the people of Paktika province.
In response to this tragic incident and out of respect for the victims, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has decided to withdraw from participating in the upcoming T20 tri-series with Pakistan to be played in late November.
May Allah (SWT) grant the martyrs high ranks in Paradise, grant the injured a speedy recovery, and grant their families patience, reward, and strength during this time of great sorrow.