Afghanistan Pulls Out of Pakistan Cricket Tri-Series

Afghanistan has officially withdrawn from the upcoming tri-nation cricket series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka, following the tragic killing of three Afghan cricketers in a targeted attack. The announcement was made by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), which described the incident as a heartbreaking loss for the country’s sports community.

According to the ACB, the three players — identified as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon — were travelling from Urgun to Sharana in Afghanistan’s eastern Paktika province, located near the Pakistan border, to participate in a friendly cricket match.

After returning home, the players were reportedly attacked during a local gathering. The assault also claimed the lives of five other individuals, bringing the total death toll to eight. The cricket board did not disclose additional details regarding the perpetrators or motive behind the attack.

In a statement, the Afghanistan Cricket Board expressed deep sorrow, saying, “This is a great loss for Afghanistan’s sports community, its athletes, and the cricketing family.” The board extended heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and announced that it would withdraw from the tri-series as a gesture of respect for those who lost their lives.

The decision comes as a major setback for cricket fans in both Afghanistan and Pakistan, as the tri-series was expected to be a significant event in the regional cricket calendar. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had confirmed the tournament just last month, with matches scheduled between November 17 and November 29 in Rawalpindi and Lahore.

This series would have been Afghanistan’s first official tri-nation participation on Pakistani soil, marking an important milestone in regional cricket relations. Earlier in 2025, Afghanistan had participated in another tri-series with Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which concluded just ahead of the Asia Cup.

The ACB’s decision reflects both a symbolic act of mourning and a security-driven precaution following the attack. Officials from both boards have yet to comment on whether the tournament will continue with an alternate format or be rescheduled for a later date.

The withdrawal highlights the continuing challenges faced by Afghan cricket amid political instability and security concerns at home. Despite rapid progress in the international cricket arena, such tragedies continue to cast a shadow over the sport’s growth in the region.