Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan escalated again on Friday after fresh Pakistani airstrikes reportedly killed at least 10 people, including three local Afghan cricketers, in Afghanistan’s Paktika province.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the deaths and announced its withdrawal from the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I series involving Pakistan, condemning the attacks as “cowardly and inhumane.”
Airstrikes Shatter Fragile Ceasefire
Despite both nations extending a 48-hour ceasefire to facilitate peace talks in Doha, Afghan officials accused Pakistan of violating the truce by targeting Urgun and Barmal districts in Paktika.
According to Taliban authorities, three locations were bombed, resulting in 10 deaths and several injuries.
The ACB identified the slain players as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, who were returning home after playing a friendly match in Sharana when their gathering was hit.
Reuters quoted ACB spokesperson Sayed Naseem Sadaat as saying that eight local cricketers were among those killed.
Afghanistan Withdraws from Tri-Nation Series
In an emotional statement, the ACB expressed deep grief and announced the team’s withdrawal from the Tri-Nation T20I series that was to include Pakistan.
“This heartbreaking incident has left our cricketing community in mourning. The players were targeted during a gathering after returning home from a local match,” the board said.
Star players, including Rashid Khan, condemned the attack, calling it “immoral and barbaric.”
Talks in Doha Amid Renewed Hostilities
According to Reuters, Pakistani and Afghan delegations were expected to meet in Doha to resume peace discussions. While Pakistan’s representatives had already reached the Qatari capital, Afghan delegates were expected to arrive later on Saturday.
Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid told Ariana News that Kabul had instructed its forces to maintain the ceasefire, provided Pakistan refrained from further strikes.
However, Afghan police official Mohammad Ismail Mawia said that within hours of the truce extension, Pakistan conducted fresh air raids, killing the cricketers and several civilians.
Border Tensions Escalate
The renewed violence comes days after deadly border clashes that left dozens of soldiers and civilians dead on both sides.
Afghanistan claimed its airstrikes had killed 58 Pakistani soldiers, while Pakistan reported 23 casualties and said it had eliminated over 200 Taliban fighters in retaliation.
The border crossings between the two countries were shut on October 12, disrupting trade and civilian movement.
Following mediation by Qatar and Saudi Arabia, both sides agreed to a temporary ceasefire — but sporadic attacks have continued since.
Pakistan’s Response
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the recent suicide attack near the Afghan border that killed seven Pakistani soldiers and vowed a “strong response.”
A Pakistani security official later clarified that the ceasefire was struck with the Afghan Taliban, not with other militant groups operating within Afghanistan.
Global Concern
The international community has urged restraint as Doha peace talks continue amid rising hostilities. Analysts warn that without a sustainable truce, cross-border attacks could further destabilize the region and derail efforts for long-term peace.
