A tense calm along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border was shattered late Friday night when the Taliban accused Pakistan of launching deadly airstrikes on Afghan territory. According to Afghan officials, at least 10 people, including three local cricketers, were killed in Paktika province.
The strikes reportedly hit residential areas in Khanadar village and other southeastern border zones, raising fears of a fresh escalation between the two nations.
“A tragedy that claimed the lives of women, children, and aspiring young cricketers who dreamed of representing their nation on the world stage,” Afghan cricket captain Rashid Khan said on X (formerly Twitter).
I am deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani aerial strikes on Afghanistan. A tragedy that claimed the lives of women, children, and aspiring young cricketers who dreamed of representing their nation on the world stage.
It is absolutely immoral and…
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) October 17, 2025
Rising tensions after temporary truce
The airstrikes came just hours after Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to extend their 48-hour ceasefire, which was initiated following days of deadly border clashes. The truce was expected to hold until the conclusion of talks in Doha.
The border violence began last week when explosions rocked Kabul, coinciding with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s first visit to India. Pakistan denied involvement in the Kabul blasts but admitted to targeting Taliban militants inside its territory.
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In retaliation, Taliban fighters engaged Pakistani forces along the border, leading to dozens of casualties on both sides.
Pakistan blames Taliban, warns Afghans to ‘return’
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned that relations with Kabul may “never return to normal.” In a pointed statement, he said: “They (Afghan nationals) now have their own government in Kabul… Our land and resources belong to 250 million Pakistanis.”
Asif further alleged that the Taliban regime was acting as a “proxy for India” and accused Kabul of harboring Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants responsible for attacks inside Pakistan.
Afghanistan withdraws from tri-nation cricket series
In the aftermath of the airstrikes, Afghanistan’s Cricket Board (ACB) announced its withdrawal from the upcoming tri-nation series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The board said this was a mark of respect to the victims.
“The players had earlier traveled to Sharana to play a friendly cricket match. After returning home, they were targeted during a gathering,” the ACB said in a statement.
“This incident is not only a tragedy for Paktika but for the entire Afghan cricket family,” veteran cricketer Mohammad Nabi wrote on X.
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
Ceasefire future uncertain
The Taliban has condemned the airstrikes as a “blatant violation of sovereignty”, while Pakistan has maintained its right to defend its borders. Analysts fear the incident could derail diplomatic engagement and deepen the mistrust between Islamabad and Kabul.
Talks in Doha are still expected to proceed, but the path to de-escalation now appears far more fragile.
