Pakistan Behind Afghan Cricketers' Killing? ACB Levels Serious Charges with Video Evidence

Pakistan Behind Afghan Cricketers' Killing: The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has claimed that it has video evidence that implicates Pakistan in the attack that killed three local cricketers in Afghanistan's Urgun district. ACB spokesperson Syed Naseem Sadat announced on Tuesday that the attack was carried out by the Pakistani state. The incident occurred after a friendly match in Sharna, Paktika province, when the three cricketers—Kabir, Sibgatullah, and Haroon—were returning home.

Details of the attack: The three cricketers were returning after playing a friendly match on Friday when they were attacked in Urgun district. ACB has termed it as "cruel."

Withdrawal from Tri-Nation T20I Series: Afghanistan has decided to withdraw from the Tri-Nation T20I series being held in Pakistan, starting from November 17 in Rawalpindi. Zimbabwe has replaced Afghanistan. Now Pakistan, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka will participate in the series. The opening match will be Pakistan vs. Zimbabwe on 17 November, followed by Zimbabwe vs. Sri Lanka. The remaining five matches, including the final on November 29, will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Pakistan's denial: The Pakistani government has denied reports of air strikes in the killing of the cricketers.

Support of ICC and BCCI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have supported this decision of ACB.

Statements of Syed Naseem Sadat

ACB spokesperson Syed Naseem Sadat said, "We have clear evidence, and the entire cricket fraternity and people around the world would have seen the video report made by our media team. This attack was carried out by the Pakistani state." He further said, "We appeal to all cricket boards to condemn such brutal attacks, as cricket gives the message of peace. Cricketers are messengers of peace and should be kept away from war. War should not interfere with the game. Therefore, we urge the cricket fraternity and boards to condemn such incidents and keep cricket away from war."

Importance of the event

The ACB described the death of the three cricketers as a big loss to Afghanistan's sports community, athletes, and the cricket family. The statement came in response to ACB's Friday post on X (formerly Twitter). ACB asked all cricket boards to condemn such incidents so that cricket remains a symbol of peace. The incident further highlights Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions, where cricket is seen as a messenger of peace. Keep an eye on official sources for more information.