Rashid Khan’s removal of Lahore Qalandars from his social media bio highlights rising tensions following recent Pakistani airstrikes that killed Afghan civilians.
Rashid Khan Removes Lahore Qalandars from Bio in Protest Against Pakistani Airstrikes
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan has removed Lahore Qalandars, his Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise, from his X (formerly Twitter) bio following Afghanistan’s withdrawal from the upcoming tri-nation T20I series in Pakistan. The decision is a protest against recent Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan that reportedly killed eight civilians, including three young cricketers.
Previously, Rashid’s bio listed his major teams worldwide — Afghanistan national team, IPL side Gujarat Titans, BBL team Adelaide Strikers, and PSL’s Lahore Qalandars. The latest update shows only his IPL and BBL teams remain alongside the national side.
This action came shortly after Rashid Khan issued a strong statement condemning the strikes and supporting the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s (ACB) decision to pull out from the tri-series in Lahore, scheduled from November 17 to 29, featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani aerial strikes on Afghanistan — a tragedy that claimed the lives of women, children, and aspiring young cricketers who dreamed of representing their nation on the world stage,” Rashid posted on X.
“These unjust and unlawful actions represent a grave violation of human rights and must not go unnoticed. In light of the precious innocent souls lost, I welcome the ACB’s decision of withdrawing from upcoming fixtures against Pakistan. I stand with our people at this difficult time — our national dignity must come before all else.”
I am deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani aerial strikes on Afghanistan. A tragedy that claimed the lives of women, children, and aspiring young cricketers who dreamed of representing their nation on the world stage.
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) October 17, 2025
It is absolutely immoral and…
Afghanistan Cricket Board in Mourning and Series Withdrawal
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed that three cricketers — Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon — were killed in airstrikes in Paktika’s Urgun district. Seven others were reported injured.
In its official statement on Saturday, the ACB said, “In response to this tragic incident and as a gesture of respect to the victims, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has decided to withdraw from the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series involving Pakistan.”
I am deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani aerial strikes on Afghanistan. A tragedy that claimed the lives of women, children, and aspiring young cricketers who dreamed of representing their nation on the world stage.
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) October 17, 2025
It is absolutely immoral and…
Rashid Khan, a fan-favorite in Pakistan and a key performer for Lahore Qalandars in the PSL, has taken a symbolic stand through his bio update, reflecting the growing rift between the two cricketing nations amid rising political tensions.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in discussions with other nations, including Zimbabwe, Nepal, and the UAE, to find a replacement for Afghanistan in the tri-series.
Beyond the tri-series and Kohli’s recent Test retirement, Rashid’s move underscores how cricket—often considered a bridge between nations—can also reflect geopolitical realities, especially when human tragedy strikes close to home.
