Pakistan Airstrikes Kill Afghan Cricketers, Derail Doha Peace Talks

A fragile ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been shattered by new violence. Pakistan conducted airstrikes inside Afghan territory, killing at least ten people. Among the dead were three local Afghan cricketers, an attack the Afghanistan Cricket Board calls a “cowardly act.”

The strikes occurred in the Paktika province, targeting the Urgun and Barmal districts. This escalation comes just as both sides agreed to extend a truce for crucial peace talks scheduled in Doha. The incident has severely damaged diplomatic efforts and prompted a strong response from the Afghan sports community.

Afghanistan Withdraws From Cricket Series in Protest

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced its immediate withdrawal from an upcoming Tri-Nation T20I series involving Pakistan. This decision was made in direct response to the players’ deaths. The ACB expressed deep grief and condemned the attack.

According to the ACB, the three cricketers were killed after returning home from a friendly match. They were reportedly targeted during a social gathering. A spokesman for the board, quoted by Reuters, stated that the death toll of local players was actually higher, with eight cricketers killed in the strike.

Doha Talks Proceed Under a Cloud of Mistrust

Despite the violence, diplomatic efforts are technically still underway. Both nations had agreed to extend a 48-hour ceasefire to allow for talks in Doha. A Pakistani delegation is already in the Qatari capital, with an Afghan team expected to join them.

The ceasefire extension was brokered after a deadly suicide attack killed seven Pakistani soldiers. A Taliban spokesperson told Afghan media that Kabul had ordered its forces to maintain the truce as long as Pakistan did the same. However, the latest airstrikes demonstrate the extreme fragility of the agreement and the deep-seated mistrust between the neighbors.

The killing of athletes has turned a military conflict into a profound cultural and diplomatic rupture. The future of regional stability now hinges on these strained Pakistan airstrikes negotiations, which begin under the darkest of clouds.

Thought you’d like to know

How many people were killed in the recent Pakistan airstrikes?

Taliban officials reported at least 10 people were killed. The Afghanistan Cricket Board confirmed that three local cricketers were among the dead. Other reports suggest the number of cricketers killed may be higher.

What was Afghanistan’s official response to the cricketers’ deaths?

The Afghanistan Cricket Board withdrew the national team from an upcoming T20 series against Pakistan. They condemned the attack and declared a period of mourning for the slain players.

Are the Doha peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan still happening?

Yes, according to Reuters, the talks are still scheduled to proceed. Both sides had agreed to a ceasefire extension to facilitate the negotiations, despite the recent violent incidents.

What is the main cause of the recent border clashes?

The clashes stem from cross-border militant attacks. Pakistan alleges that militants operating from Afghan soil launch attacks on its security forces. Afghanistan has retaliated against what it calls Pakistani aggression within its borders.

Which areas of Afghanistan were targeted by the airstrikes?

The airstrikes hit the Urgun and Barmal districts in Paktika province. Local sources and news agencies reported that residential areas were targeted, leading to civilian casualties.

Trusted Sources

Reuters, Associated Press, Afghanistan Cricket Board, Ariana News, Tolo News.