The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced that it will not take part in the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series in Pakistan, which was scheduled to begin on November 17. The tournament was set to feature Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan.
According to the ACB, the decision was made after the killing of several Afghan cricketers in an attack in Paktika Province on Friday, October 17. The board said the incident involved three domestic players, Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, who were among eight people killed in Urgun District. Seven others were injured.
The players had travelled to Sharana, the capital of Paktika Province, to play in a friendly cricket match when the attack took place.
In an official statement, the ACB said the board has decided to withdraw from the Pakistan tri-series as a mark of respect to the players and others who lost their lives in the attack.
“The Afghanistan Cricket Board expresses its sorrow over the loss of cricketers from Urgun District, who were targeted in a cowardly attack,” it said. “The board sends its condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Paktika Province.”
Statement of Condolence
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) October 17, 2025
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 pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi also commented on the incident through his official Facebook account, calling it a “heinous crime” and expressing grief for the players who were killed.
The decision has added to the growing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. It is not yet clear whether Afghanistan will face Pakistan in future international events under the current circumstances.