The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council released separate statements where both cricketing bodies condemned the tragic attack in Afghanistan’s Paktika province, which claimed the lives of three young cricketers.
BCCI’s STATEMENT
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expresses its deep sorrow and condolences on the tragic loss of three young Afghan cricketers – Kabeer Agha, Sibghatullah, and Haroon – who lost their lives in the cowardly cross-border airstrikes in Paktika province.
The BCCI stands in solidarity with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), the cricket fraternity, and the families of the departed players during this moment of profound grief and condemns this ghastly and unwarranted attack. The loss of innocent lives, particularly those of promising sportspersons, is deeply distressing and a matter of great concern.
The BCCI conveys its heartfelt sympathies to the people of Afghanistan and shares in their pain and loss.
ICC’s STATEMENT
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is deeply saddened and appalled by the tragic deaths of three young and promising Afghan cricketers, Kabeer Agha, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, who lost their lives in a recent airstrike in Afghanistan’s Paktika province.
The three young men had returned home after participating in a friendly cricket match when they were killed in an attack that also claimed the lives of several civilians. The ICC strongly condemns this act of violence that has robbed families, communities, and the cricketing world of three bright talents whose only ambition was to play the sport they loved.
The ICC stands in solidarity with the Afghanistan Cricket Board and echoes their grief.
(more to follow)
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