ICC on Afghan Cricketers: ICC-BCCI Condemn Death of Afghan Cricketers in Pakistan Airstrike, Demand Action

A tragic incident has rocked the cricketing world following a Pakistani army airstrike in Afghanistan's Paktika province. Late Friday night, three young Afghan club cricketers—Kabir Agha, Haroon, and Sibgatullah—were killed when Pakistani air forces targeted residential areas. The cricketers were returning to their city after a match. This horrific event has not only escalated tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan but also drawn widespread condemnation from international cricketing bodies.

ICC and BCCI Express Outrage

In the wake of this cowardly attack, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) immediately announced its refusal to participate in the upcoming T20 series against Pakistan, scheduled for November. This series was meant to involve Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan, hosted in Pakistan. The ACB's decision has now placed the spotlight on the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to consider punitive measures against Pakistan. ICC Chairperson Jay Shah expressed profound sorrow, calling the incident an act of 'senseless violence. ' In a social media post, Shah stated, “Deeply saddened by the demise of three Afghan cricketers, Kabir Agha, Sibgatullah, and Haroon, whose dreams were cut short by senseless violence, while the loss of such talented lives is a tragedy not just for Afghanistan Cricket but for the entire cricketing fraternity. ” The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also condemned Pakistan's actions as 'cowardly' and extended condolences to the victims' families. BCCI Secretary Devjeet Saikia issued a statement saying, “The BCCI expresses its deepest sorrow and condolences on the tragic death of three young Afghan cricketers—Kabir Agha, Sibgatullah, and Haroon—in the cowardly airstrike in Paktika province. We stand in solidarity with the Afghanistan Cricket Board and the families of the deceased players during this profound time of grief.

Calls for Ban on Pakistan Intensify

This incident has Notably amplified calls for a ban on Pakistan from international cricket. Demands for such action were already present due to ongoing tensions with India. The killing of three young cricketers has now given these demands greater urgency. All eyes are now on the ICC, led by Jay Shah, and the ACC to see what steps they will take in response to this grave situation.