(Image source from: AFP)

Afghanistan has decided to withdraw from a cricket series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka next month following the deaths of three local cricketers due to an attack, as announced by the country's cricket board on Friday. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) mentioned that the athletes had gone from Urgun to Sharana in the eastern Paktika region near the Pakistan border for a friendly game. The board reported that "upon returning to Urgun, they were attacked while at a gathering," labeling it "a cowardly assault carried out by the Pakistani regime." The ACB identified the three athletes as "Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon," and indicated that five additional individuals also lost their lives in this incident. The board has not provided further specifics regarding the attack. It expressed that it "deems this a significant loss for Afghanistan's sports community, its athletes, and the cricket world" while offering its "heartfelt condolences and support to the grieving families."

The ACB announced its choice to pull out of next month’s tri-series "as a sign of respect for the victims." Afghan cricketer Fazalhaq Farooqi wrote on Facebook, "The killing of innocent civilians and our local cricket athletes by these oppressors is a terrible and unforgivable act." Another player, Mohammad Nabi, remarked, "This event is a tragedy not just for Paktika but for the entire Afghan cricket community and the nation as a whole." He expressed deep sadness upon learning that several of the country's players had been killed by ruthless enemies in the Arghun district of Paktika province. He prayed, "I ask the Great Lord to grant them Jannat-ul-Firdous (the highest paradise). And may the Almighty Lord bring shame upon the forever enemies of our nation. Amen, O Lord of the Worlds." Wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz wrote a detailed message of condolence and prayer for the victims, who were reportedly players from the country, killed in the incident in the Arghun district of Paktika province.