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The 'moral' penalty Pakistan Cricket might have to pay for its 'shameful' military acts

Soumyajit Dutta

Pakistan Cricket team [Source: AFP Photos]Pakistan Cricket team [Source: AFP Photos]

It hasn’t even been six months since Pakistan cricket found itself back in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. This time, it faces massive global criticism following Pakistan’s alleged airstrike on Afghanistan’s Paktika province. On October 18, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) released an official statement expressing deep sorrow over the deaths of three young cricketers who lost their lives in the bombing.

What is becoming increasingly evident is that Pakistan cricket has turned into the first casualty of the Pakistan military’s aggressive global stance. The repercussions are serious with diplomatic, moral, and reputational isolation now looming large over Pakistan cricket. 

In a strong response, the Afghanistan Cricket Board withdrew from the upcoming tri-nation T20I series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka, which was scheduled to begin in November.

Afghanistan's protest is only the first ripple of a wave

Afghanistan’s withdrawal is more than a sporting decision. It is a symbolic act of protest and national mourning. The move has cracked the once-glorious image of Pakistan cricket. 

A nation that produced legends like Wasim Akram and Imran Khan. This episode further damages Pakistan’s reputation, especially after recent disputes with India that extended to the World Championship of Legends and the Asia Cup 2025.

The growing tensions between Pakistan and its neighbours are now casting a long shadow over its cricketing credibility. What was once seen as a unifying force in the region has now become a reflection of the nation’s deteriorating diplomacy and internal instability.

The penalty that Pakistan Cricket might have to pay

This mix of political aggression and sporting backlash is pushing Pakistan cricket into a corner. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) now faces a growing risk of isolation, both in cricketing circles and diplomatic relations. 

The scenario may not unfold overnight, but if global sports bodies can ban Russia from the Olympics over political conflict, Pakistan’s cricketing future could face similar consequences if military hostilities continue.

Pakistan has long struggled to host international series due to security concerns. Many teams remain reluctant to tour Pakistan, fearing instability and safety issues. Although the PCB has worked hard to rebuild its image by hosting several bilateral series in recent years, the airstrike incident has reversed much of that progress.

A senior PCB official confirmed that the tri-series will proceed as scheduled despite Afghanistan’s withdrawal. 

“The Tri-Series will progress as scheduled even after Afghanistan’s withdrawal. We are looking at a replacement team and once finalised, the announcement will be made. The Tri-Series features a third team in Sri Lanka so it is on from 17th November,” the insider said.

Zimbabwe has emerged as the likely replacement for Afghanistan in the series, but the symbolic loss of a regional ally is far greater than any on-field substitution.

Is it cricket's loss as a whole?

Cricket has often served as a bridge in South Asia’s fragile political landscape. But with Pakistan’s military actions now influencing diplomatic relations, the bridge is collapsing. Sports and diplomacy often go hand-in-hand, yet Pakistan’s military aggression is steadily undoing years of cricket diplomacy.

In a game meant to unite, Pakistan cricket finds itself isolated, not because of a loss on the field, but because of the shadows cast by actions far beyond the boundary rope.