Three Afghan Cricketers – Kabeer Agha, Sibghatullah, and Haroon – sadly lost their lives on October 17, 2025, after a Pakistani airstrike hit Afghanistan’s Paktika province. The Afghanistan Cricket Board confirmed that the attack struck residential areas in the Urgun District, breaking a recent ceasefire between the two countries.
Name and Details of 3 Victims
Kabeer Agha (22) – Top – Order Batsman
Kabeer Agha was a young and talented top-order batsman, known for his aggressive style. He was close to being selected for Afghanistan’s U-23 training camp.
Sibghatullah (21) – Medium – First Bowler
Sibghatullah was a medium-fast bowler from Paktika who represented the Urgun Warriors in local tournaments. He was seen as a rising player and a future leader in regional cricket.
Haroon (20) – All Rounder
Haroon was an all-rounder active in local T20 and tape-ball leagues. He was known for his off-spin bowling and confident right-handed batting.
Where to happen this Incident
The airstrike hit the Urgun area, killing at least eight civilians — including the three young cricketers — and injuring several others. The players had just come back home after taking part in a friendly match in Sharana, the capital of Paktika province.
ACB Statement with Exact Wording and Timestamp
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) shared an official statement on October 17, 2025, at 7:45 PM Kabul time (7:15 PM IST) through its verified X (formerly Twitter) account and its official website. The statement said:
The Afghanistan Cricket Board expresses its deepest sorrow and grief over the tragic martyrdom of the brave cricketers from Urgun District in Paktika Province, who were targeted this evening in a cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani regime. In this heartbreaking incident, three players (Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon) alongside 5 other fellow countrymen from Urgun District were martyred, and seven others were injured.
The players had earlier traveled to Sharana, the capital of Paktika province, to participate in a friendly cricket match. After returning home to Urgun, they were targeted during a gathering. 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. 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, scheduled to be played in late November. May Allah (SWT) grant the martyrs the highest ranks in Jannah, bless the injured with a speedy recovery, and grant their families patience, reward, and strength during this time of immense grief.