NEW DELHI: Afghanistan cricket captain Rashid Khan has removed Lahore Qalandars from his social media bio on X following Pakistani aerial strikes that killed eight civilians, including three local cricketers, in Paktika Province, Afghanistan. The victims were attacked after returning from a friendly match in Sharana, the provincial capital.The cricketers who lost their lives were identified as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon. The incident has sparked speculation over whether Rashid might boycott the Pakistan Super League.

Rashid, associated with Lahore Qalandars since 2021, has won three PSL titles with the franchise, including the most recent season.“I am deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani aerial strikes on Afghanistan. It is absolutely immoral and barbaric to target civilian infrastructure. These unjust and unlawful actions represent a grave violation of human rights and must not go unnoticed,” Rashid said in a statement on X.“In light of the precious innocent souls lost, I welcome the ACB’s decision of withdrawing from upcoming fixtures against Pakistan. I stand with our people at this difficult time – our national dignity must come before all else,” he added.

Afghan all-rounder Samiullah Shinwari also expressed his grief over the tragedy. “I was deeply saddened by the news of the martyrdom of the heroic players of Argoon district of Paktika, who were brutally attacked by the Pakistani military regime after a friendly cricket match. The incident is a great sorrow not only for Paktika, but for the entire cricket family and nation of Afghanistan. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of these innocent players, my friends and the people of Paktika,” he wrote on X.“We will never forget their memory and sacrifice,” Shinwari added.Afghanistan opener Sediqullah Atal has similarly expressed support for the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s decision to withdraw from the tri-series against Pakistan.