Afghanistan Earthquake: Cricket Community and Foundations Step Forward With Support
A devastating earthquake has struck eastern Afghanistan, leaving at least 800 people dead and more than 2,500 injured, with the epicentre near Jalalabad in Nangarhar province, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The quake hit late at night at a shallow depth of just eight kilometres, followed by a series of strong aftershocks that shook buildings as far away as Kabul and Islamabad.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has appealed to the country’s business community and wealthy individuals to step up and provide urgent assistance to affected families, particularly in Kunar and surrounding provinces. In a statement, the ACB expressed “deep sorrow over the loss of lives” and said it stood united with the people in this moment of grief.
Taliban officials confirmed that 800 people were killed in Kunar alone, while Nangarhar province reported 12 deaths and over 250 injuries. Officials also reported widespread destruction of mud-brick homes, which are especially vulnerable to collapse during quakes.
To honour the victims, a minute of silence will be observed today before the UAE-Afghanistan T20I Tri-series match in Sharjah. The Emirates Cricket Board also shared its condolences with the Afghan people.
In addition, humanitarian pledges have started pouring in. Javed Afridi, chairman of the Zalmi Foundation, announced a donation of Rs10 million to support relief efforts, saying he was “heartbroken by the devastation” and extended prayers to Afghan families facing loss and hardship.
This tragic event has highlighted the urgent need for solidarity and relief efforts to help rebuild communities and support the thousands of families who have lost homes and loved ones.
