Afghanistan cricketer Rashid Khan has condemned Pakistan’s airstrikes on Kandahar’s Spin Boldak district that killed dozens of civilians, including three Afghan cricketers.
Rashid said he was heartbroken by the loss of innocent lives in the attacks. “I strongly condemn Pakistan’s attacks on my dear country and I am deeply saddened by the martyrdom of my countrymen and fellow players,” he wrote on Facebook.
He called the incident “immoral and barbaric,” saying that targeting civilians was a violation of human rights. “It is absolutely immoral and barbaric to target civilian infrastructure. These unjust and unlawful actions must not go unnoticed,” Rashid added.
Reports said Pakistan’s airstrikes hit residential areas earlier this week, killing at least 40 people, most of them women and children. Among the victims were three cricketers from the Urgun district in Paktika province — Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) expressed deep sorrow and described the attack as “a cowardly act by the Pakistani regime.” The players had travelled to Sharana, the capital of Paktika province, to play a friendly match. After returning home to Urgun, they were killed during a gathering.
The ACB called the incident a great loss for Afghan sports and the cricket community. It also extended condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Paktika.
In response to the tragedy, the ACB announced it would withdraw from the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series involving Pakistan. The board said the decision was made to honor the victims of the attack.
Rashid supported the ACB’s move. “I welcome the ACB’s decision of withdrawing from upcoming fixtures against Pakistan. I stand with our people at this difficult time. Our national dignity must come before all else,” he wrote.
The ACB prayed for the souls of the martyrs and for a quick recovery of the injured. It urged the international community to take notice of the attack and stand by the Afghan people during this difficult time.
