Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi applauded the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) for withdrawing from the upcoming T20 tri-series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka, following cross-border airstrikes that claimed the lives of three Afghan cricketers and five civilians.

“Pakistan establishment is made up of a bunch of cowards who thrive on the blood of their innocent victims and get thrashed at the borders. Shame on them,” Chaturvedi tweeted. “Good to see Afghanistan Cricket Board call off their series matches with Pakistan, maybe BCCI and GoI can take tips on how to prioritise nation over sports.”

Chaturvedi also urged Sri Lanka to reconsider participation, citing the 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore. She wrote, “Hope Sri Lanka team will withdraw from this tri-series too, in solidarity with the Afghanistan team. Not to forget even their team was attacked in 2009 by terrorists when on Pakistan tour.”

The ACB had announced its withdrawal on October 18, stating the series, scheduled between November 17–29 in Rawalpindi and Lahore, could not go ahead due to the tragic loss of life in Paktika province. The young cricketers—Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon—were among those killed in the alleged airstrikes.

In a statement, the ACB condemned the attacks as a “cowardly act by the Pakistani regime” and called it a devastating loss for the country’s cricketing community. The decision to pull out of the tournament was made as a mark of respect for the victims and to prioritize national safety over sports.