“Immoral and barbaric”: Pakistani Airstrikes Kill Afghan Cricket Professionals
October 18,2025,12:51 p.m
Kabul, Afghanistan – The escalating conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan has tragically extended to civilian life, with recent Pakistani airstrikes resulting in at least 17 deaths, including three Afghan cricket players.
The strikes, which targeted the eastern Afghan province of Paktika, claimed the lives of cricketers from the Urgun district who were reportedly together in a house following a kind match, according to the Afghanistan Cricket Board.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation. Afghan cricket star Rashid Khan described the event as “absolutely immoral and barbaric,” and voiced support for the federal government’s decision to cancel all upcoming matches against Pakistan. Sixteen others were injured when the airstrikes hit a residential building Friday evening (local time).
Pakistani intelligence sources confirmed conducting airstrikes in the border province, stating they were aimed at fighters from the Pakistani Taliban (TTP). officials had previously indicated the strikes were intended to be ”precise.” The attacks occurred despite a recently agreed-upon 48-hour ceasefire, brokered on Wednesday after days of border skirmishes.
Despite the ongoing tensions, a delegation from the Afghan government traveled to Doha, Qatar on Saturday to meet with Pakistani representatives, according to ToloNews. pakistani state television reported that Defense Minister Khawaja Asif and intelligence chief General Asim malik would also travel to Doha “today for talks with the Afghan Taliban.” The Afghan Taliban government confirmed the planned discussions.
The cross-border violence stems from longstanding accusations leveled by both Afghanistan and Pakistan, each alleging the other supports militant extremist groups operating across their shared border and responsible for attacks within their respective countries. This latest escalation raises concerns about the potential for further instability in the region.
