The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has condemned the murder of 3 Afghanistan cricketers by the Pakistan Army. Pakistan killed 8 Afghan civilians in the airstrike after the ceasefire agreement. The ICC has also issued a statement expressing sorrow over the deaths.
The BCCI said that it “expresses its deep sorrow and condolences on the tragic loss of three young Afghan cricketers – Kabeer Agha, Sibghatullah, and Haroon – who lost their lives in the cowardly cross-border airstrikes in Paktika province.”
The BCCI said that it “stands in solidarity with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), the cricket fraternity,
and the families of the departed players during this moment of profound grief and condemns this
ghastly and unwarranted attack. The loss of innocent lives, particularly those of promising
sportspersons, is deeply distressing and a matter of great concern.”
ALSO READ: Three Afghan Cricketers Killed in Pakistani Airstrike: A Terror State’s War on Innocence
ICC Chairman Jay Shah also issued a statement over the same. Expressing sorrow, he said that “the loss of such promising talent is a tragedy not just for Afghanistan but for the entire cricketing world.” He added, “We stand in solidarity with the Afghanistan Cricket Board and all those mourning this heartbreaking loss.”
In a separate statement, the ICC said, “The three young men had returned home after participating in a friendly cricket match when they were killed in an attack that also claimed the lives of several civilians. The ICC strongly condemns this act of violence that has robbed families, communities, and the cricketing world of three bright talents whose only ambition was to play the sport they loved.”
Afghanistan Cricket Board mourns the death of Afghan cricketers
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) in a statement called it “a cowardly and unforgivable act carried out by the Pakistani regime.” It said, “The ACB considers this a great loss for Afghanistan’s sports community, its athletes, and the cricketing family. The ACB also extends its deepest condolences and solidarity to the bereaved families of the martyrs and to the people of Paktika Province.”
The Pakistani airstrike occurred during ceasefire. Pakistan had itself requested the ceasefire. In response, ACB has withdrawn from the triangular series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s T20 captain, called it “a crime against every code of humanity” and refused to play Pakistan.
Pakistan continues its rampage against Afghan Civilians
In earlier airstrikes, Pakistan had killed 40 Afghan civilians, mostly women and children. The Afghan Government in response had urged Imams to condemn Pakistan. The airstrikes injured as many as 170 civilians. Then too, Pakistan had targeted residential areas.
India has also lents its support to Afghanistan following the clashes. The Indian Government has said that it supports Afghan territorial integrity and sovereignty. Meanwhile, Pakistan has accused the Taliban of serving Indian interests.
