Rashid Khan welcomes Afghanistan Cricket Board decision

ISLAMABAD: Afghanistan cricket team captain Rashid Khan has expressed support for the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s (ACB) decision to withdraw from its upcoming tour of Pakistan amid rising tensions between the two countries.

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

In a post on X, Rashid wrote, “Amid the Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict, I welcome the ACB’s decision to withdraw from the upcoming three-match series against Pakistan.”

Earlier in the day, the ACB announced on its official X account that it was pulling out of next month’s T20 tri-series in Pakistan, citing the ongoing cross-border escalation.

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

“The ACB considers this a great loss for Afghanistan’s sports community, its athletes, and the cricketing family,” the board said, terming the situation “tragic.”

The ACB added that the decision was made in light of the deteriorating situation along the Pak-Afghan border and after consultations with relevant authorities.