Rashid Khan Slams ‘Barbaric’ Pakistan Airstrike Attack On Afghanistan

Rashid Khan had condemned Pakistan’s airstrikes on Afghanistan and supported ACB’s decision to withdraw from the upcoming tri-series.

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) responded to a series of Pakistani airstrikes on civilian areas along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border by withdrawing from the men’s team’s upcoming tri-series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The decision came after three young Afghan cricketers were killed in attacks on civilian housing in Paktika province.

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan also issued a statement expressing his grief over the deaths caused by the airstrikes, particularly mourning the young cricketers who lost their lives.

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“I am deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani aerial strikes on Afghanistan,” Rashid wrote in his own statement on social media. “A tragedy that claimed the lives of women, children, and aspiring young cricketers who dreamed of representing their nation on the world stage.”

Rashid Khan condemns attacks

Rashid’s message was direct and critical of Pakistan’s actions, calling for international attention to what he described as a violation of human rights. Pakistan’s airstrikes late on Friday reportedly broke the ceasefire truce agreed upon between the two nations, reigniting border clashes.

“It is absolutely immoral and barbaric to target civilian infrastructure. These unjust and unlawful actions represent a grave violation of human rights and must not go unnoticed,” continued Rashid.

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Support for ACB’s decision

The Afghan skipper also supported the ACB’s move to withdraw from the tri-series, which was scheduled to take place in Pakistan next month and feature Sri Lanka as the third team.

“In light of the precious innocent souls lost, I welcome the ACB’s decision to withdraw from upcoming fixtures against Pakistan. I stand with our people at this difficult time; our national dignity must come before all else,” concluded Rashid Khan.

Afghanistan’s already tense relationship with Pakistan has now placed the future of Asian cricket relations in uncertainty.