A gunman on a motorcycle opened fire at a group of local cricket players, killing five of them during a game in the eastern Laghman province of Afghanistan.
A provincial spokesman, Sarhadii Zhouak, said the attack took place yesterday in Alinghar district. He says the attacker fled the scene.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility but Zhouak blamed the Taliban. When the Taliban ruled the country, they severely restricted sports and public celebrations.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai issued a statement condemning the attack.
Meanwhile police in southern Helmand province found the body of slain journalist Noor Ahmad Noori late last night.
A spokesman said 30-year-old Nouri, who worked for the local Radio Busd had been abducted earlier in the day.
