Afghanistan Cricket Team Visits Hospitals Amid Rising Tensions with Pakistan

In a show of solidarity, the Afghanistan Cricket Board and national team players visited hospitals in Kabul to support victims injured in a recent Pakistani airstrike. Amid rising tensions and outrage within the cricketing community, over 400 casualties have been reported. The players, including captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, condemned the violence and called for accountability. As rocket attacks in Kunar displace thousands, cricketers like Rashid Khan demand justice and urge international investigations into the tragic events. This situation highlights the deteriorating relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, raising concerns over civilian safety.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 19, 2026, 06:10 IST

Support for Victims of Violence

Members of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), along with players from the national team, recently visited hospitals in Kabul to offer their support to those injured in a recent Pakistani airstrike on a medical facility. The players expressed their solidarity and extended prayers for the recovery of the victims.

Team Leaders Show Compassion

Hashmatullah Shahidi, the captain of Afghanistan's ODI and Test teams, was joined by teammates Gulbadin Naib and Qais Ahmad during their visit to Wazir Akbar Khan and Kabul Emergency hospitals. They met with survivors and conveyed their heartfelt support to the affected individuals and their families.

Outrage in the Cricketing Community

This visit occurred amidst escalating anger within Afghanistan's cricket community, following reports of significant civilian casualties resulting from airstrikes in Kabul. Numerous players have publicly denounced the violence and are calling for accountability.

Casualties from Recent Attacks

Reports indicate that over 400 individuals have lost their lives due to a recent airstrike by Pakistan on a hospital treating addiction patients in Kabul. Concurrently, the Pakistani military has launched 124 rockets into Kunar province in the last 24 hours, as reported by local news outlets.

The United Nations has urged for a thorough investigation and accountability regarding this tragic airstrike.

Displacement Due to Rocket Attacks

According to local officials, the rocket attacks in Kunar have displaced approximately 7,500 families from their homes. Zia-ul-Rahman Spin Ghar, the Head of Information at the Kunar Directorate, confirmed that while no casualties were reported from these attacks, many residents were forced to evacuate their homes for safety.

Cricketers Demand Justice

On Tuesday, several Afghan cricketers voiced their concerns regarding the civilian casualties in Kabul following the airstrikes. They expressed their sorrow and called for justice.

The bombardment by Pakistan has led to multiple explosions in Kabul, as reported by local media, highlighting the deteriorating relations between Pakistan and the Taliban government.

Rashid Khan's Strong Statement

Rashid Khan took to social media to express his dismay over the civilian casualties, stating that targeting civilian infrastructure, whether intentional or accidental, constitutes a war crime. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation by the UN and human rights organizations, urging accountability for those responsible.

In his message, Rashid Khan expressed solidarity with the Afghan people during this challenging time, affirming that they will heal and rise as a nation.