Who were 3 Afghanistan cricketers who lost their lives in Pakistan's airstrikes?

A piece of tragic news arrived for Afghanistan's citizens on Saturday after Pakistan launched a fresh aerial strike on them, killing eight and leaving several injured. Among the 8 killed, three were aspiring Afghan cricketers, who have been identified as Kabeer Agha, Sibghatullah, and Haroon. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) also expressed profound grief over the killing of these cricketers and even announced their withdrawal from the upcoming tri-nation series, also involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Taking to its official X handle, ACB wrote, ''The Afghanistan Cricket Board expresses its deepest sorrow and grief over the tragic martyrdom of the brave cricketers from Urgun District in Paktika Province, who were targeted this evening in a cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani regime.''

''In this heartbreaking incident, three players (Kabeer, Sibghatullah and Haroon) alongside 5 other fellow countrymen from Urgun District were martyred, and seven others were injured. The players had earlier traveled to Sharana, the capital of Paktika province, to participate in a friendly cricket match. After returning home to Urgun, they were targeted during a gathering,'' ACB added.

Statement of Condolence

The Afghanistan Cricket Board expresses its deepest sorrow and grief over the tragic martyrdom of the brave cricketers from Urgun District in Paktika Province, who were targeted this evening in a cowardly attack carried out by the Pakistani regime.

In… pic.twitter.com/YkenImtuVR

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) October 17, 2025

Who were these three Afghan cricketers?

Kabeer Agha - Hailed from Paktika's Urgun district, Kabeer Agha represented several regional clubs in domestic cricket. For those unversed, the young batter was also expected to feature in the Under-23 provincial camp next year, following his recent stellar performances.

Sibghatullah - Unlike Kabeer, Sibghatullah was a speedster from the same region who was also a potential captain in the last edition of the Paktika Premier League.

Haroon - He was an all-rounder from the Paktika region, who was pursuing his passion for cricket while also studying at a local college.