Pakistan vs Afghanistan: Players from Pakistan join with their Afghanistan counterparts for humanitarian gesture before start of play

While their rivalry isn't as iconic as India-Pakistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan have often been involved in spicy duels over the years. Be it on the cricket field or on other domains. Therefore, an Afghanistan-Pakistan game, especially in cricket, does grab a lot of eyeballs these days. It also helps that Afghanistan are a very competent white-ball side these days and can go toe-to-toe with any side in the world. The ongoing tri-series featuring the two teams and United Arab Emirates, has been an interesting one to watch, with all three teams prepping themselves for the Asia Cup next month.

Pakistan won both their games against Afghanistan and UAE in the first leg, and look set to make the final unless something dramatic happens. Ahead of their second round-robin fixture against Afghanistan, the two teams were involved in a humanitarian gesture prior to the start of play. Players observed a minute's silence to pay respect to the people who lost their lives in the calamity in Afghanistan.

For those unaware, Afghanistan is reeling from the after affects of a devastating earthquake that hit the country on August 31, 2025. The tragedy has wrecked havoc across the country, with more than 5000 homes reportedly destroyed. The death toll has also risen over 1400 with over 3000 people reported injured. Afghanistan's veteran Mohammad Nabi has already come out with a crowdfunding initiative through his X account and has reportedly been an active philanthropist over the years. Skipper Rashid Khan and other Afghanistan players are also expected to do their bit for the country's cause in such a scenario.