Who were Kabeer Agha, Sibghatullah and Haroon — young Afghan cricketers killed in Pakistani airstrike

Kabeer Agha, Sibghatullah and Haroon — young Afghan cricketers killed in Pakistani airstrike (X/ACBofficials)

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) tragically revealed on Saturday that three young, talented cricketers were among those killed in a Pakistani airstrike. The names of the three cricketers were Haroon, Sibghatullah, and Kabeer Agha.

A Tolo News report claims that Pakistan violated a recent ceasefire deal between the two nations by carrying out a number of airstrikes in the Paktika area of Afghanistan. Numerous civilians were killed in the attacks, which were directed on the residential areas of Afghanistan's Urgun and Barmal provinces.

The three players had traveled to Sharana, the provincial capital of Paktika, to participate in a friendly cricket match, following which they went back to their houses in Urgun. The three were present at a gathering when the fatal attack occurred.

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Kabeer Agha: The young player, who was renowned for his aggressive top-order batting, was on the verge of being selected for the U-23 camp after a strong show in the domestic setup. He has played for regional clubs and participated in youth competitions run by the southern committee of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB).

Sibghatullah: A medium-fast bowler from Paktika, Sibghatullah represented Urgun Warriors in regional competitions sanctioned by the ACB. Sibghatullah had become a potential leader with his keen cricketing skills in the Paktika Premier League the previous year.

Haroon: The talented all-rounder had made a reputation for himself in Afghanistan's domestic scene thanks to his steady play in tape-ball and local T20 competitions. Haroon, who bowled orthodox off-spin and batted right-handed, was hailed as one of the versatile players. He was enrolled in a nearby college and was playing cricket full-time.

Following the deaths of three cricketers, the ACB made the decision to pull out of the tri-series that also involved Pakistan and Sri Lanka. With Pakistan as the host, the tri-series was scheduled to begin on November 17 with the final set for November 29.

Statement of Condolence

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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

“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 said in a statement.

"In response of this tragic incident and as a gesture of respect to the victims, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has decided to withdraw from participating in the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series involving Pakistan, scheduled to be played in late November," it added.