The BCCI has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of three young Afghan cricketers — Kabeer Agha, Sibghatullah, and Haroon — who were among eight civilians killed in a reported aerial strike by Pakistan on Saturday in Paktika province. In a media advisory, the BCCI said it stands in solidarity with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), the cricket fraternity, and the families of the departed players. “The loss of innocent lives, particularly those of promising sportspersons, is deeply distressing and a matter of great concern,” the board stated.
“The BCCI stands in solidarity with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), the cricket fraternity, and the families of the departed players during this moment of profound grief and condemns this ghastly and unwarranted attack,” the board further added. The Afghanistan Cricket Board has responded to the incident by withdrawing from an upcoming tri-nation series scheduled to take place in Pakistan from November 17 to 29, which was to include Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Kabeer Agha was an aggressive top-order batter close to selection for the Under-23 provincial camp, having played in domestic competitions and youth tournaments organised by the ACB’s southern committee. Sibghatullah, a medium-pace bowler from the Paktika region, played for Urgun Warriors and was identified for leadership potential during the previous year’s Paktika Premier League. Haroon, an emerging all-rounder, combined off-spin bowling with right-handed batting and had performed consistently in local T20 and tape-ball tournaments while continuing his college studies. The incident has drawn strong reactions from Afghan cricket stars. Team captain Rashid Khan labelled the attack as barbaric. Former captain Mohammed Nabi said, “This incident is not only a tragedy for Paktika but for the entire Afghan cricket family and the nation as a whole.”
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The BCCI conveyed its heartfelt sympathies to the people of Afghanistan, stating, “We share in their pain and loss during this moment of profound grief.”
