'This ghastly and...': BCCI reacts to Pakistan's 'unwarranted' airstrike attack on Afghanistan

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) paid their condolences to the people who lost their lives in Pakistan's airstrike attack on Afghanistan. Pakistan broke the ceasefire and attacked the Paktika province on Friday, resulting in a total of 11 deaths including three local cricketers.Following this attack, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB0 pulled out of the upcoming tri-series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

In a latest statement, BCCI has condemned Pakistan's actions and also mourned the tragic loss of the lives of three cricketers. They also went on to label Pakistan's act as "cowardly".

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“The Board of Control for Cricket in India 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," BCCI said in a statement.

“The BCCI stands in solidarity with the Afghanistan Cricket Board, the cricket fraternity and the families of the departed players during this moment of profound grief and condemns this ghastly and unwarranted attack," BCCI added.

Rashid's reaction to the attack

On the other hand, Afghanistan star cricketer Rashid Khan also reacted to the incident and labelled Pakistan's actions as "immoral and barbaric". He also showed support towards ACB's decision of pulling out from the tri-series and vowed to stand with the people of the country in this difficult time.

"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,' Rashid wrote on X.

"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. 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.

Who will be Afghanistan's next opponent?

Meanwhile, Afghanistan are now set to go on a tour of Zimbabwe that will include a one-off Test and a three-match T20I series. Rashid Khan & Co. had recently inflicted a clean sweep over Bangladesh in the three-match ODI series and will be hoping to replicate this form in the shortest format as well.