Eight people, including three local cricketers were killed by Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan’s Paktika province late Friday, according to security officials, and members Afghanistan Cricket Board, further intensifying the already massive cross-border hostilities.
The ACB identified the players as Kabir, Sighbatullah, and Haroon, adding that seven others were injured in the strike that hit Urgon district.
According to the board, the players had been returning home from Sharan, the provincial capital, after taking part in a friendly cricket match when the attack occurred.
In a statement, the ACB called the deaths a “great loss” to Afghanistan’s sporting community, extending condolences to the victims’ families and teammates.
As a mark of mourning and protest, the ACB announced its withdrawal from the upcoming T20I tri-series, scheduled for late November, which was to feature Pakistan.
The strike comes amid a strong surge in escalation of cross-border clashes between the two countries, particularly in the provinces of Paktika and Khost.
High tensions have been prevailing since midweek, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of sheltering Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists and allowing them to conduct attacks on its soil, while Afghan officials have condemned Pakistan’s cross-border air operations, and its degrading treatment of Afghan nationals amid the surging deportations.
High level delegations from both countries are departing for Doha to hold dialogue for resolving tensions, and ceasing hostilities.
