BCCI Stands With Afghanistan After Heartbreaking Loss of Young Cricketers

Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India has issued a strong statement condemning the tragic death of three young Afghan cricketers who lost their lives in cross-border airstrikes in Afghanistan's Paktika province. The statement from BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia reflects not just grief, but also solidarity with Afghanistan during this painful time.

The three cricketers—Kabeer Agha, Sibghatullah, and Haroon—were returning home after playing a friendly cricket match when they were caught in the strikes. Their only crime was loving the game of cricket.

"Ghastly and Unwarranted Attack"

The BCCI didn't mince words in its official statement. "The BCCI stands in solidarity with the Afghanistan Cricket Board, the cricket fraternity, and the families of the departed players during this moment of profound grief and condemns this ghastly and unwarranted attack," the statement read.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia added that the loss of innocent lives, particularly promising young sportspersons, is deeply distressing and a matter of great concern. The board conveyed its heartfelt sympathies to the people of Afghanistan and expressed that it shares in their pain and loss.

Afghanistan Pulls Out of Pakistan Series

The Afghanistan Cricket Board wasted no time in responding to the tragedy. It immediately announced the withdrawal of its national team from a tri-nation T20 series scheduled to be held in Pakistan next month. The series, which was supposed to feature Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, was set to take place in Lahore and Rawalpindi from November 17 to 29.

In its own statement, the ACB described the incident as "a cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani regime." The board expressed its deepest sorrow over what it called the martyrdom of brave cricketers from Urgun District in Paktika Province.

"The ACB considers this a great loss for Afghanistan's sports community, its athletes, and the cricketing family," the statement said, extending condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Paktika Province.

ICC Also Expresses Grief

The International Cricket Council also released a statement expressing its profound sadness over the loss. The ICC highlighted that these young athletes had just returned home after playing a friendly match when they were caught in the violence.

The world cricket body condemned the violent act, noting the devastating impact it has had on families, communities, and the entire cricketing world. "It has deprived them of three bright talents whose sole dream was to pursue their passion for cricket," the ICC said.

India's Long-Standing Stance on Pakistan

The BCCI's strong statement is also in line with the Indian government's position on Pakistan. The board has maintained a firm policy of not having bilateral cricket relations with Pakistan, citing concerns over terrorism.

This stance has been consistent for years, with the BCCI deciding that there will be no bilateral series with Pakistan until it stops what India considers support for terrorist activities. The two teams only meet in ICC tournaments or multi-nation events.

A Loss Beyond Borders

What makes this tragedy even more heartbreaking is that these weren't international stars—they were local club cricketers with dreams of making it big. They were playing a friendly match, probably enjoying the game they loved, when their lives were cut short.

The cricket world, regardless of nationality or allegiance, has come together to mourn their loss. From Rashid Khan removing his Pakistan Super League team from his bio to former Indian stars like Yuvraj Singh expressing grief, the message is clear: some things are bigger than cricket, and human life is precious.

For now, the families of Kabeer Agha, Sibghatullah, and Haroon are left to grieve, while the cricket community stands with them in solidarity.