Pakistani Airstrike Kills Three Afghan Cricketers in Paktika

Paktika, Afghanistan | October 18, 2025 | Deccan Live News Desk

In a tragic incident, a Pakistani airstrike in Afghanistan’s Paktika province claimed the lives of three young Afghan domestic cricketers. The cricketers—Kabir, Sabghatullah, and Haroon—were killed along with five other civilians, leaving the cricket community and locals in shock.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) strongly condemned the attack and announced its withdrawal from the scheduled tri-series with Pakistan, saying the decision was taken to honor the memory of the deceased players.

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan expressed deep grief and anger, saying that the killing of innocent civilians and budding cricketers was “completely unacceptable.” Veteran cricketer Mohammad Nabi called it a “huge loss for the entire Afghan cricket family.”

Reports indicate that the strike occurred during a 48-hour ceasefire and just before peace talks began in Doha. Afghan authorities stated that residential areas were targeted, increasing tension in the region.

This attack is expected to strain diplomatic relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and its impact could extend from cricket to political and humanitarian spheres.