Pakistan rejects ICC’s uncorroborated claim that three Afghan Cricketers died during a Pakistani airstrike

In a dramatic turn of events in regional cricket diplomacy, Pakistan has categorically rejected the International Cricket Council (ICC) unsubstantiated assertion that three Afghan cricketers were murdered by a Pakistani air strike. Islamabad officials have described the report as “false, irresponsible, and based on incredible evidence,” enraging Pakistani fans and observers who view the allegation as a deliberate smear on the nation’s reputation.

As per the original ICC report — since broadly challenged — a reported incident involved Afghan local players who, it is alleged, were caught in a cross-border attack along the Pakistan-Afghan border. No verification from any independent or official Afghan source had corroborated the claim, as a result of which the authenticity of the report was questioned.

Islamabad Seeks Retraction and Clarification

Pakistan’s Foreign Office was quick to react, releasing a strongly worded statement calling on the ICC to retract its “unverified and politically motivated” assertion. The officials stressed that the ICC is mandated to govern cricket — not make comments on geopolitical or military issues.

“The ICC has to work in the sphere of sport and confirmed fact, not rumour or speculation,” it said. “These unfounded reports serve only to plant distrust and pour oil on flames of tensions between neighbouring countries already working towards regional harmony.”

The government re-emphasized that Pakistan is committed to developing sports diplomacy and cross-border cricketing solidarity and referred to previous efforts which invited Afghan cricketers to play in Pakistani domestic competitions.

Afghan Cricket Board Remains Mum

While the row deepens, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has refused to comment on the issue. The silence in Kabul only added to speculation about the authenticity of the ICC’s allegation. Insiders in the Afghan cricket fraternity have indicated that none of the registered players have gone missing or died in the past few days.

Analysts have stated that the ICC’s hasty comment put both cricket boards in an awkward situation, risking straining what has been an already tense sporting relationship between the two countries.

Social Media Backlash and Global Reactions

The ICC’s claim provoked an immediate backlash on social media, with fans all over Pakistan angry and outraged. Hashtags #PakistanRejectsICCClaim and #CricketWithoutPolitics quickly gained traction on X (formerly Twitter), with people calling the ICC irresponsible and biased.

Cricket commentators and media also raised doubts regarding the governing body’s diligence, pointing out that allegations of such severity require substantiated evidence before going public. “This is not poor reporting — it’s a diplomatic blunder,” said one commentator, suggesting the ICC to uphold neutrality and honesty in any statements it issues.

A Call for Accountability in Sports Governance

This latest scandal highlights the importance of accountability and professionalism within international sporting bodies. The intersection of sports and politics has been a disputed phenomenon for a long time, but Pakistan’s assertive yet tempered reaction shows its increasing insistence on factual accuracy in international discourse.

Pakistan’s sports ministry is said to have made official contact with the ICC, requesting an official apology and withdrawal of the unsubstantiated assertion. Until such time, Islamabad insists no such thing ever happened to Afghan cricketers on its territory or due to its actions.

Truth Over Sensationalism

As the dust settles, one thing is clear — unsubstantiated allegations can do tremendous harm not only to reputations, but to the delicate state of regional harmony and cooperation. Pakistan’s dismissal of the ICC’s accusation is a good reminder that responsibility and truth must still be paramount, particularly in a sport cherished by millions across borders.

For now, the world watches closely as the ICC faces growing pressure to provide proof — or an apology.

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