KABUL — The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has withdrawn from the upcoming tri-nation T20 series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka in protest against recent airstrikes by Pakistan’s military regime in Paktika province, which killed eight domestic cricket players.
According to the board, four other players were wounded in the strikes while playing club-level cricket.
The ACB expressed deep sorrow over the loss of these players, calling it as a major loss for the country’s sports sector, especially cricket.
The tri-series between Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan was scheduled to take place in November.
Afghanistan’s national players have backed the board’s decision.
Rashid Khan, condemning the last night attack on civilians in Paktika said, said he supports the board’s decision and emphasized that “national dignity and honor must come before everything else.”
Other national players, including Mohammad Nabi Esa Khel and Gulbadin Naib, also condemned Pakistan’s military regime for the airstrikes and expressed grief over the victims. — (Tolo News)