Afghanistan withdraws from tri-series with Pakistan, Sri Lanka

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has withdrawn from the upcoming tri-nation T20 series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka, alleging that several of its domestic players were killed in an airstrike in Paktika province, a claim that has not been independently verified.

The series, organised by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), was scheduled to be held from November 17 to 29 in Rawalpindi and Lahore. Following Afghanistan’s withdrawal, neither the PCB nor Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has issued any official statement regarding the development.

According to Afghan media reports, the alleged airstrike took place in Urgun District, Paktika, killing three domestic players and five other civilians as they were returning home. However, Pakistan has not issued any confirmation or comment on the incident.

“In response to this tragic incident, and as a gesture of respect to the victims, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has decided to withdraw from participating in the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series involving Pakistan,” the ACB said in its official statement.

Contradicting these reports, an Afghan journalists claimed there is no cricket club in Urgun District, dismissing the incident as part of a propaganda campaign.

Meanwhile, certain Afghan outlets have shared alleged names and photos of the deceased, though none of the claims have been independently verified.

As of now, conflicting reports continue to circulate on social media without confirmation from any credible or official sources.

Fake claims!

Regarding #Paktika , based on my investigation, there isn’t a single cricket club near the targeted area, Argun district.

It seems to be propaganda. https://t.co/aZ50NN0wbG

— Ahmad Sharifzad (@AhmadSharifzad) October 17, 2025