Pakistan conducted an airstrike in Afghanistan's Paktika province on Friday, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals, while among the deceased were three club cricketers, a fact confirmed by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). Seven civilians were also injured in the attack, further deteriorating the already strained relations between the two countries.
Afghanistan Pulls Out of T20 Series
In response to the tragic incident, the ACB announced its withdrawal from the tri-nation T20 series scheduled to be held in Pakistan in November. The ACB stated that this decision was made in honor of the slain cricketers. The tournament was set to feature teams from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka. According to Afghan media outlet Tolo News, the strikes targeted several homes in the Argun and Barmal districts, near the disputed Durand Line border. A 48-hour ceasefire, agreed upon on October 15 following clashes that began on October 8, had been extended.
Cricketers Attacked Returning from Match
The ACB released a statement on X (formerly Twitter), confirming that the attack occurred on players Kabir, Sibghatullah, and Haroon as they were returning from a friendly cricket match in Sharan, the capital of Paktika province. Kabir had reportedly been named Man of the Match in a local tournament on the day of the attack, with his photo alongside a trophy circulating online. Afghan cricket captain Rashid Khan and player Gulbadin Naib condemned the attack as immoral and barbaric.
Escalating Tensions and Accusations
According to the UN, Pakistani attacks this week have killed 37 civilians and injured 425 across six Afghan provinces. While Afghanistan's Taliban government accuses Pakistan of targeting civilian areas, Pakistan maintains it struck terrorist hideouts. Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif escalated rhetoric by accusing India of influencing Taliban decisions, alleging Afghanistan was fighting a proxy war for India. He also warned of military action if provoked.
The Root Cause: Durand Line Dispute
The conflict's genesis lies in the Durand Line, drawn during the British era, which divides traditional lands and isn't accepted by Pashtuns on either side. Both nations have long accused each other of harboring militants and cross-border attacks, while tensions have Importantly heightened since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in 2021.