Afghanistan asks ICC to take ‘decisive’ action against Pakistan after air strike kills three cricketers: ‘ACB urges firm measures’

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has revealed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) statement condemning Pakistan’s “act of violence” that resulted in the death of three Afghan domestic cricketers was issued on its appeal as it implored the global body to take “decisive” action against Pakistan for the “inhumane attack.”

Air strikes carried by Pakistan armed forces in Afghanistan’s Paktika province on Friday resulted in the death of three domestic cricketers – Kabeer Agha, Sibghatullah and Haroon. Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan has termed the attacks from Pakistan as “absolutely immoral and barbaric.”

Afghanistan asks ICC to take action against Paksitan

Expressing solidarity with Afghanistan, ICC said that it was “saddened” by the deaths of three young cricketers.

“The International Cricket Council (ICC) is deeply saddened and appalled by the tragic deaths of three young and promising Afghan cricketers, Kabeer Agha, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, who lost their lives in a recent airstrike in Afghanistan’s Paktika province.

“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.”

Later, ACB wrote on X that ICC released the statement against the Pakistan attack on its appeal, highlighting the “neutrality” of the Jay Shah-led body. It also requested that the ICC take action against Pakistan.

“The Afghanistan Cricket Board extends its sincere gratitude to the @ICC for issuing its statement following the ACB’s appeal. This gesture genuinely reflects the ICC’s neutrality, compassion, and commitment to fairness in expressing its sorrow and sympathy over the tragic martyrdom of young domestic cricketers in Afghanistan,” the ACB wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“The ACB has consistently upheld the principle of keeping sports separate from politics and has maintained this stance within the framework of the ICC. The Afghanistan Cricket Board once again strongly condemns this act of violence. While deeply appreciating the ICC’s expression of solidarity, the ACB urges the implementation of firm and decisive measures against those responsible for this inhumane attack,” it added.