Blasts kill eight people at cricket match in Afghanistan

Jalalabad:-A series of explosions targeting a cricket match in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, has killed eight people and injured 45 on Friday.

The attack occurred around 11pm local time on Friday, as spectators had gathered at the stadium to watch the Ramadan Cup, the provincial governor’s office said.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack but the Taliban said it was not responsible.

Afghanistan president Ashraf Ghani condemned the attack. “The terrorists did not stop killing our people even during the holy month of Ramadan,” a statement from the president’s office said. “By carrying out a terrorist attack in a populated sport stadium, once again they have proved that they are not bound to any creed or religion, and they are the enemy of humanity.”

Cricket matches in Afghanistan have been targeted previously as well. In September 2017, an Islamic State attack on a cricket match in Kabul left three dead.

The profile of cricket in Afghanistan has increased substantially over the last few years, with their national team playing four World T20s and the 2015 World Cup. They are now set to play their first Test match, against India in June, after receiving Full Member status from the ICC last year.