Pakistani Airstrikes Claim Lives of Afghan Cricketers in Paktika

Overnight airstrikes conducted by Pakistani forces resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including three Afghan cricketers, in the border province of Paktika. The Afghanistan Cricket Board announced the casualties on October 17, 2025, detailing that the players were part of a group returning from a friendly match in Sharana, the capital of the province.

The board identified the deceased players as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, alongside two other civilians from the Urgun District. This tragic incident occurred despite a recently established ceasefire agreement between Afghanistan and Pakistan, aimed at addressing ongoing tensions through negotiations in Doha, facilitated by Qatari authorities.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, the Afghanistan Cricket Board expressed its profound grief, describing the airstrikes as a “cowardly attack” by the Pakistani regime. The board also announced its withdrawal from an upcoming tournament involving Pakistan, scheduled for late November, as a gesture of mourning and protest.

Afghan cricketer Rashid Khan publicly lamented the attacks, emphasizing the loss of young athletes who aspired to represent their country. He referred to the incident as a tragedy that also impacted women and children, highlighting the broader humanitarian consequences of the conflict.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has not yet responded to these allegations. However, according to Dawn newspaper, the airstrikes targeted “terrorist hideouts” in Afghanistan. The report noted that these precision strikes were a response to a recent attack in North Waziristan, which involved both gunfire and explosives against a military installation.

The airstrikes have raised concerns about the fragile peace between the two nations, especially given that they came just hours after a two-day ceasefire was extended. Former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad commented on the situation, questioning Pakistan’s role as a neighbor and its commitment to regional peace. He highlighted the struggles faced by the Afghan population, which continues to grapple with the aftermath of decades of conflict and the recent expulsion of over a million Afghan refugees from Pakistan.

The international community is watching closely as both countries navigate this complex situation. The recent escalation underscores the urgent need for dialogue and lasting solutions to the challenges plaguing this region.