Afghan Cricketers Killed in Pakistan Airstrike – Rashid Khan, Nabi Furious: “This Is Barbaric”
A cricket field.
Three young dreams.
One deadly airstrike.
In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves across the sporting world, three teenage Afghan cricketers, Kabir, Sibqatullah, and Haroon, were killed in a Pakistani military airstrike in Bakhtika province, near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.
The boys weren’t soldiers.
They weren’t militants.
They were aspiring athletes, training to represent their province, with hopes of one day playing at the international level.
Now, their futures are gone.
And the cricket world is demanding answers. Afghan cricketers killed in Pakistan airstrike
🏏 The Tragedy That Shook Afghan Cricket
The three were practising on a local ground in Bakhtika when the strike hit. Locals say there was no warning. No target. Just smoke, screams, and silence.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the deaths and called it a “cowardly attack on innocent youth.”
Cricket has long been a symbol of hope in war-torn Afghanistan.
Now, that hope lies buried.
🔥 Rashid Khan’s Outrage: “Barbaric and Immoral”
Afghanistan’s biggest cricket star, Rashid Khan, didn’t hold back. Rashid Khan condemns Pakistan attack
On social media, he posted:
“This attack on innocent civilians and our young cricketers is an unforgivable crime. This is an attack on the very soul of our nation.”
He added:
“Violence that takes innocent lives must stop. And the international community? They remain silent.”
Fans worldwide echoed his pain:
“These kids were holding bats, not guns.”
“How can sport survive when peace doesn’t?”
💔 Mohammad Nabi: “Afghanistan’s Darkest Day”
Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi called it “the darkest day in Afghan cricket history.”
“Their dreams were shattered by violence. I mourn not just as a player but as a brother.”
Nabi urged unity:
“Cricketers bring joy. They unite people. Why destroy that?”
His message wasn’t just grief.
It was a plea for humanity.
🚫 Afghanistan Withdraws from T20 Tri-Series – Handshake Ban Announced
Why did Afghanistan quit the T20 tri-series?
In protest, the Afghanistan Cricket Board made a bold move:
They withdrew from the upcoming tri-nation T20 series featuring Pakistan and a third team.
No more games.
No more diplomacy.
Just mourning.
Even stronger:
Senior players, including Fazalhaq Farooqi, announced they will no longer shake hands with Pakistani players.
One official said:
“Like India after Pahalgam, we will not greet them. Not until justice is done.”
This isn’t just politics.
It’s personal.
🗣️ Karim Sadiq: “They Were Ready for Provincial Cricket”
Former captain Karim Sadiq, who trained the boys, broke down during a press conference:
He continued:
“Cricketers work to unite the world. But Pakistan wants to destroy cricket itself.”
“At least eight innocent lives lost. For what?”
Who were Kabir, Sibqatullah and Haroon cricketers?
Sadiq revealed the boys had talent:
- Kabir: Left-handed opener with quick feet
- Sibqatullah: Fast bowler hitting 135 km/h
- Haroon: Wicketkeeper-batsman with clean technique
“They weren’t just players,” he said.
“They were the future.”
Will the tri-nation series be cancelled?
❓ PAA Method: Answering What Fans Are Asking
Let’s tackle top Google queries using the People Also Ask (PAA) strategy:
❓ Who were the Afghan cricketers killed in the airstrike?
Three teenage players, Kabir, Sibqatullah, and Haroon, from Urgun district, Paktika province. All under 20, all training to play professional cricket.
❓ Did Pakistan confirm the airstrike?
Pakistan hasn’t issued an official statement. But military sources confirmed cross-border operations in response to alleged militant activity. Civilian casualties were not addressed.
❓ Why did Afghanistan withdraw from the T20 tri-series?
To honour the dead players and protest what ACB calls a “targeted attack on sports and youth.” The board also cited safety concerns.
❓ Will the tri-series be cancelled?
Likely. The ICC and PCB are deciding whether to replace Afghanistan or cancel the event. With tensions high, cancellation is now the most probable outcome.
❓ Are Rashid Khan and Nabi still playing for franchises?
Yes. Both continue in global leagues. But they’ve vowed not to play against Pakistan or shake hands with Pakistani players until accountability comes.
⚖️ Mohsin Naqvi Anticipated This, but Was It Enough?
Days before the tragedy, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi wrote to the ICC:
He knew tensions were rising.
But did anyone act?
Now, the ICC faces a crisis:
- Cancel the series? Risk revenue.
- Replace Afghanistan? Looks tone-deaf.
- Proceed? Risk of global backlash.
As one analyst said:
“Cricket can’t stay neutral when lives are lost.”
Final Thoughts: When Sport Becomes a Victim
This isn’t just about war.
It’s about what we value.
Afghanistan turned to cricket to heal.
Kids picked up bats instead of weapons.
And now those same kids are gone.
Legends like Rashid Khan and Nabi aren’t just speaking as players.
They’re speaking as citizens.
As brothers.
As voices for the voiceless.
So while the world debates borders and bombs, remember this:
Three young cricketers died doing what they loved.
And that should never be a crime.
Watch & React
🎥 Watch: Tribute video for the fallen Afghan players
📢 See: Rashid Khan’s full emotional post
💬 Comment below: Should the ICC take a stand on political attacks affecting cricket?
