Cricket Amidst Conflict: Afghanistan's Stance Against Pakistan's Airstrike

Afghanistan Cricket Board condemns Pakistan's airstrike in Paktika, which killed three Afghan cricketers. ACB withdraws from Pakistan-hosted Tri-Nation T20I Series in protest, urging global cricket community to denounce the attack and protect cricket from conflicts.

Sayed Naseem Sadaat, spokesperson for the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), has voiced firm condemnation of a recent airstrike by Pakistan in Paktika province, resulting in the deaths of three Afghan cricketers. The ACB is urging international cricket bodies to denounce the attack.

Emphasizing cricket's role as an ambassador of peace, Sadaat stressed that the sport should remain uninvolved in wartime conflicts. The ACB confirmed cricketers Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon were among the casualties.

The ACB's withdrawal from the Tri-Nation T20I Series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka reflects broad outrage. With clear evidence implicating the Pakistani state, Afghan cricket players and international peers like Rashid Khan have expressed strong support for the ACB's protest.

Following the withdrawal of Afghanistan from the series, Zimbabwe has taken its place. The matches are set to begin on November 17 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with Pakistan facing Zimbabwe in the opening fixture.

(With inputs from agencies.)