When Kabir Ahmad, a rising Afghan cricketer from Urgun district, was killed in a Pakistani airstrike on Oct 17, 2025, the tragedy rippled through the Afghanistan Cricket Board, led by CEO Naseeb Khan, and sparked condemnation from the International Cricket Council and the Board of Control for Cricket in India. The loss of three domestic players—Kabir Ahmad, Sghak Tula and Harun—joined five civilian deaths, sending shockwaves across the cricket world and halting Afghanistan’s participation in the upcoming tri‑nation T20 series.
Background to the Conflict
Since early 2025, Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghan soil of sheltering anti‑Pakistani militants. That rhetoric culminated in a series of "precision airstrikes" launched on Oct 17‑18 against what the Pakistani Ministry of Defence called "military installations" of both the Afghan Taliban and the Pakistani Taliban. The strikes spanned multiple provinces, including Paktika, Kandahar and Kabul, and were defended by Islamabad as necessary to neutralise cross‑border threats.
Afghanistan’s government, meanwhile, maintains a fragile cease‑fire with Pakistan. The latest incursion, however, breached that agreement, according to the Taliban‑run Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA), which reported civilian residences in Paktika were hit.
The Airstrike and Its Victims
At around 8:30 PM local time on Oct 17, a missile hit a residential cluster in Urgun district, Paktika province. The three cricketers had just returned from a friendly match in Sharana, the provincial capital, where they dined before heading home.
- Fatalities: 8 (3 cricketers, 5 civilians)
- Injured: 4 civilians
- Names of the players: Kabir Ahmad, Sghak Tula, Harun
- Location: Urgun district, Paktika province (GMT+4:30)
Local residents described the scene as "a night of horror," with smoke and shattered homes littering the streets. Funeral processions the next day drew hundreds, the coffins of the three athletes displayed publicly as the community mourned.
Reactions from Cricketing Bodies
The ACB issued an urgent statement at 11:00 AM on Oct 18, confirming the deaths and announcing an immediate withdrawal from the November 1‑15 tri‑nation series slated for Lahore and Rawalpindi. Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s national captain, labeled the strike "a barbaric crime against our youth" on live television.
The ICC, headquartered in Dubai, released a condemnation describing the incident as "appalling and tragic" and pledged to monitor the situation closely. Within hours, the Zimbabwe Cricket Board confirmed it would step in as Afghanistan’s replacement, a decision endorsed by the ICC on Oct 18.
India’s BCCI Secretary Jay Shah expressed "deep distress" and offered condolences, while human‑rights groups such as Amnesty International called for independent investigations into possible violations of the Geneva Conventions.
Impact on the Tri‑Nation Series
What was supposed to be a showcase of emerging talent turned into a diplomatic quagmire. Pakistan, Zimbabwe and the yet‑to‑be‑named third nation will now play under the ICC’s supervision, with security protocols tightened after the Paktika incident.
Fans in Lahore and Rawalpindi expressed disappointment on social media, but many also rallied behind the Afghan players, sharing tributes and urging for peace. Ticket sales dropped by an estimated 12 % according to venue reports.
Human Rights and Diplomatic Fallout
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has opened formal diplomatic channels with Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence, demanding accountability and an end to civilian casualties. The Pakistani side has so far offered a statement that the target was a militant hideout, refusing to acknowledge civilian harm.
International observers note that this incident adds to a grim tally: since the Taliban took power in 2021, at least 12 domestic Afghan athletes have died in conflict‑related incidents. The loss of three cricketers in a single strike underscores the vulnerability of sports infrastructure in war zones.
What Lies Ahead
Looking forward, the ICC plans to review security measures for all upcoming tournaments in the region. Meanwhile, the ACB is focusing on rebuilding its domestic league and supporting the families of the deceased players.
Analysts predict that unless a cease‑fire is reaffirmed, further disruptions to Afghan sport are likely. The broader geopolitical tension between Islamabad and Kabul remains a volatile backdrop to any future sporting collaboration.
- Key Facts
- Date of strike: Oct 17, 2025
- Location: Urgon district, Paktika province
- Civilian deaths: 5, Cricketer deaths: 3
- Tri‑nation series replacement: Zimbabwe Cricket Board
- International condemnation: ICC, BCCI, Amnesty International
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this tragedy affect Afghanistan's cricket future?
The loss of three promising players and the ACB’s withdrawal from the tri‑nation series set back talent development and international exposure. Domestic leagues may face funding cuts, and recruitment pipelines could shrink as families reconsider sports as a safe career path.
What was Pakistan’s official justification for the airstrike?
The Ministry of Defence in Islamabad claimed the target was a militant hideout linked to anti‑Pakistani elements operating in Paktika. They described the operation as a "precision strike" against "military installations" of the Afghan Taliban.
Why did the ICC replace Afghanistan with Zimbabwe in the series?
With Afghanistan withdrawing for security and mourning reasons, the ICC needed a full three‑team roster to preserve the tournament’s integrity. Zimbabwe Cricket Board agreed to step in, ensuring the matches could continue under heightened security oversight.
What are the legal implications under international law?
Human‑rights organisations argue the strike may breach the Geneva Convention’s protections for civilians. If investigations confirm disproportionate force or failure to distinguish between combatants and non‑combatants, Pakistan could face international scrutiny and possible sanctions.
When can we expect a new cease‑fire agreement?
Diplomatic talks are ongoing, but officials from both Kabul and Islamabad have not set a concrete timeline. Analysts suggest any renewed cease‑fire will depend on mutual confidence‑building measures and third‑party mediation, potentially by neighboring Iran or the United Nations.
