A major tragedy in Kabul has led to strong reactions from Afghanistan’s cricket community. Several Afghan cricketers spoke out after a deadly airstrike in the city, including fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq, who shared his views on social media.
The incident comes just days before the start of IPL 2026, as many international players prepare for the new season.
What Happened in Kabul
A devastating airstrike in Kabul reportedly killed at least 400 people and injured around 250 others. The attack struck a hospital in the Afghan capital.
The incident happened around 9:00 PM local time during the holy month of Ramadan. Many people were outside after breaking their fast when the strike occurred.
The attack has been described as one of the deadliest incidents in Afghanistan since the Kabul airport bombing during the U.S. withdrawal in 2021.
Afghan Cricketers React to the Incident
Several Afghan cricket players expressed grief and anger after the attack. Their reactions quickly spread across social media as the news reached the global cricket community.
Naveen-ul-Haq’s Reaction
Fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq posted a strong message online following the incident. In his message, he said it was hard to see any difference between Israel and the Pakistani regime.
Naveen-ul-Haq has represented Afghanistan in international cricket and also played in the IPL for Lucknow Super Giants.
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Other Afghan Players Speak Out
Many other Afghan cricketers also reacted publicly.
Azmatullah Omarzai described hearing a powerful explosion in Kabul and seeing flames rising from a hospital building. He expressed sympathy for the families who lost loved ones during the attack.
Rashid Khan also shared a message condemning the violence. He called for an international investigation and asked global organizations to look into the incident and hold those responsible accountable.
Former Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi also expressed sadness over the tragedy, describing the loss of innocent lives during the holy month of Ramadan.
Naveen-ul-Haq Career Overview
Naveen-ul-Haq is one of Afghanistan’s leading fast bowlers in T20 cricket. He has been a key player for the national team and has also gained experience in the IPL.
Naveen-ul-Haq Career Stats
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average / Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20I | 48 | 67 | 4/20 | Average 18.73 |
| IPL (Lucknow Super Giants) | 18 | 25 | 4/38 | Economy 9.16 |
His ability to bowl effectively in the death overs has made him an important player in T20 competitions.
As IPL 2026 approaches, Afghan players involved in the tournament will now shift their focus back to cricket. However, the tragedy in Kabul has added a serious and emotional backdrop to the upcoming season.
Naveen-ul-Haq and other Afghan cricketers continue to represent their country on the international stage while also competing in major leagues such as the IPL.
Fans will now watch closely as players balance their professional commitments with the emotional impact of events back home.
