PCB breaks silence as Afghanistan pull out of Tri-series following cricketers’ deaths in brutal airstrikes

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced on Saturday, October 18, that it has pulled out of the T20 tri-series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka. In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) quickly provided clarification regarding the status of the tri-nation series, set to take place in Pakistan next month.

The PCB had unveiled the T20 tri-series last month, set to be played from November 17 to 29 in Rawalpindi and Lahore. Notably, it would have been the second tri-series between Afghan and Pakistan in 2025. The first tri-series between the two took place in the UAE days before the recent Asia Cup 2025.

Pakistan Airstrikes in Afghanistan Kill Cricketers

Pakistan carried out fresh airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province, breaking a recent ceasefire amid tensions between the two countries. Reports indicate that the strikes in Argun and Barmal districts killed at least ten people, including two children, and left 12 others injured.

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The violence escalated after the Taliban’s foreign minister’s India visit. Pakistan and Afghanistan had recently engaged in a week of deadly clashes, leading to a brief 48-hour ceasefire on Wednesday, which the Taliban claims Pakistan violated with the new attacks.

Three Afghan cricketers were killed in the strikes. The Afghanistan Cricket Board confirmed that the players had traveled to Sharana for a friendly match. In response, the ACB announced it would withdraw from the upcoming Tri-Nation series in Pakistan against Sri Lanka and the host nation.

“In this heartbreaking incident, three players (Kabeer, Sibghatullah and Haroon) alongside 5 other fellow countrymen from Urgun District were martyred, and seven others were injured," the ACB wrote in a long statement on its social media accounts.

PCB Confirms Tri-Series to Proceed Despite Afghanistan’s Withdrawal

According to Geo News, the PCB confirmed that the upcoming tri-series will proceed as planned from November 17 to 29, despite Afghanistan’s withdrawal due to worsening political relations. Pakistan and Sri Lanka will participate, while the PCB is actively seeking a replacement for the third team.

The PCB will approach other Asian or associate cricket boards to fill the vacant slot. Notably, the PCB remains confident that the series will continue without disruption, maintaining Pakistan’s white-ball schedule ahead of a busy 2026 season.

The tri-series is seen as an important part of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup preparations, providing the Men in Green with valuable match practice in home conditions.

I Welcome the ACB's Decision - Afghanistan Skipper Rashid Khan

Afghan T20I captain Rashid Khan condemned Pakistan’s recent airstrikes, calling them a “grave violation of human rights.” Rashid backed the ACB’s decision to withdraw from the upcoming tri-series in Pakistan involving Sri Lanka.

“It is absolutely immoral and barbaric to target civilian infrastructure. These unjust and unlawful actions represent a grave violation of human rights and must not go unnoticed,” Rashid stated.

“In light of the precious innocent souls lost, I welcome the ACB’s decision to withdraw from upcoming fixtures against Pakistan. I stand with our people at this difficult time; our national dignity must come before all else,” he concluded.

I am deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani aerial strikes on Afghanistan. A tragedy that claimed the lives of women, children, and aspiring young cricketers who dreamed of representing their nation on the world stage.

It is absolutely immoral and…

— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) October 17, 2025

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