‘We Got Evidence’: Afghanistan Accuses Pakistan of Deadly Drone Attack

Afghanistan withdrew from the Tri-Nation T20I Series after accusing Pakistan of a drone strike in Paktika that killed three of its cricketers.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) accused Pakistan of carrying out a drone strike in Paktika that killed three young Afghan cricketers – Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon. ACB spokesperson Sayed Naseem Sadaat stated that the board has strong evidence, including video footage, linking Pakistan to the attack. In response, Afghanistan withdrew from the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series scheduled to be held in Pakistan next month.

Pakistan, however, has denied the allegations, dismissing reports that cricketers were among the casualties in the airstrike.

“We got evidence that all the cricket fraternity and all the people around the world would have definitely watched our video report on the incident that was made by our media team. So, we got clear evidence that the attack was done by a Pakistani state,” Sadaat told ANI.

“After the incident, the management of the Afghanistan Cricket Board decided to cancel Afghanistan’s participation in the tri-series that was going to be hosted by Pakistan,” he added.

Zimbabwe Replaces Afghanistan in Upcoming Tri-Nation Series

Calling it a devastating loss for Afghanistan’s sporting community, the ACB had earlier urged cricket boards worldwide to condemn violence targeting athletes. The board emphasized that cricket represents peace and should remain free from political and military conflicts.

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Meanwhile, following Afghanistan’s withdrawal from next month’s T20I tri-series amid growing tensions with Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that Zimbabwe will replace Afghanistan in the tournament.