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The cricketing world was shaken after reports emerged of a devastating airstrike by Pakistan in Kabul that took hundreds of lives. Members of the Afghanistan cricket team were among the first to react, with several players voicing grief, anger and calls for accountability following the incident.
The strike reportedly targeted the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital, a major rehabilitation centre in the Afghan capital. With over 400 people feared dead and hundreds injured, the tragedy has triggered strong reactions not just politically, but also within the sporting community – especially from Afghan cricketers who have long served as global ambassadors for their nation.
Rashid Khan leads outrage, calls for UN investigation
Star spinner Rashid Khan led the condemnation, using social media platform X to demand justice and highlight the severity of the incident. The former T20I captain did not hold back, describing the attack in stark terms and urging global authorities to intervene.
“I am deeply saddened by the latest reports of civilian casualties as a result of Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul. Targeting civilian homes, educational facilities or medical infrastructure, either intentional or by mistake, is a war crime,” Rashid wrote.
He further emphasized the emotional weight of the tragedy, especially given its timing during Ramadan – a period of reflection and peace for Muslims worldwide.
“The sheer disregard for human lives, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, is sickening and deeply concerning. It will only fuel division and hatred,” he added.
Rashid also called upon international bodies to act swiftly. He urged the United Nations and human rights organizations to “thoroughly investigate this latest atrocity and hold the perpetrators to account.”
Ending on a note of resilience, he expressed solidarity with his fellow citizens: “I stand with my Afghan people in this difficult time. We shall heal, and we will rise as a nation. We always do. Inshallah!”
I am deeply saddened by the latest reports of civilian casualties as a result of Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul. Targeting civilian homes, educational facilities or medical infrastructure, either intentional or by mistake, is a war crime. The sheer disregard for human lives,… pic.twitter.com/DbFRRh2qAJ
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) March 16, 2026
Rashid was not alone in his response. Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi shared a deeply emotional message that resonated widely across social media.
“Tonight in Kabul, hope was extinguished at a hospital. Young men seeking treatment were murdered in a bombing by the Pakistani military regime.”
He described the human cost in heartbreaking detail: “Mothers waited at the gates, calling their sons’ names. On the 28th night of Ramadan, their lives were cut short.”
His words highlighted the tragic irony of a medical facility – meant for healing – becoming the site of such devastation.
Tonight in Kabul, hope was extinguished at a hospital. Young men seeking treatment were murdered in a bombing by the Pakistani military regime. Mothers waited at the gates, calling their sons’ names. On the 28th night of Ramadan, their lives were cut short. pic.twitter.com/p12617D4de
— Mohammad Nabi (@MohammadNabi007) March 16, 2026
New T20I captain Ibrahim Zadran offered a personal account, revealing that he was in Kabul when the explosion occurred.
“Tonight I heard a massive explosion here in Kabul. Moments later we saw flames rising into the sky from a hospital.”
He added a poignant reflection on the timing of the attack: “Our brothers who intended to fast tomorrow are now gone, or wounded. My thoughts are with every family grieving tonight. Kabul is in pain. We pray for justice.”
Tonight I heard a massive explosion here in Kabul. Moments later we saw flames rising into the sky from a hospital.
Our brothers who intended to fast tomorrow are now gone, or wounded. My thoughts are with every family grieving tonight.
Kabul is in pain. We pray for justice.
— Ibrahim Zadran (@IZadran18) March 16, 2026
Reactions of other Afghan players
Other Afghan cricketers also joined the chorus of condemnation. Fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq drew comparisons with other global conflicts, while Wafadar Momand described the hospital as a “house of humanity,” calling the strike a grave violation of ethics and human values.
Naveen Ul Haq’s Facebook post. pic.twitter.com/1BCMWg9PlS
— WarMonitor (@WarMonitorINTL) March 17, 2026
All-rounder Gulbadin Naib expressed solidarity with affected families, stressing unity and resilience in the face of tragedy. Meanwhile, young spinner Noor Ahmad summed up the collective grief in a single word: “Heartbreaking.”
Meanwhile, Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) posted a series of tweets to condemn the attack and also mentioned that they stand in solidarity with the affected families and their people during this difficult time.
Eid Hopes Turned Into Mourning
Afghanistan Cricket Board’s leadership, along with the #AfghanAtalan lineup and staff, strongly condemns all acts of violence against innocent people. We stand in solidarity with the affected families and our people during this difficult time. 1/4 pic.twitter.com/oN1vknQiod
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) March 17, 2026
What should have been moments of joy and celebration have instead turned into grief and heartbreak. Lives that were looking forward to Eid, to healing, and to a brighter tomorrow were tragically cut short, leaving behind shattered dreams and grieving families. 2/4
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) March 17, 2026
The Pakistani regime’s devastating attack on a rehabilitation facility, resulting in the loss of hundreds of innocent lives and injuries to countless others, has deeply saddened us all. The occurrence of such a tragedy during Ramadan makes the pain even more profound. 3/4
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) March 17, 2026
We ask the Almighty Allah to grant the victims the highest ranks in Jannah and bless their families with patience, strength, and peace.
Indeed, we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return.#ACB 4/4
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) March 17, 2026
According to officials, the airstrike occurred around 9:00 pm local time and caused widespread destruction across the hospital complex. Rescue operations continued through the night, with fears that the death toll could rise further as teams searched through the debris.
While investigations and official responses are awaited, one thing is clear – the emotional impact of this incident has gone far beyond the boundaries of cricket, uniting players and fans alike in grief and solidarity.
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