Afghanistan cricket match blast kills 19

"The secretary-general strongly condemns the attack today at the Kabul International Cricket Stadium in Afghanistan, which claimed the lives of at least 19 civilians and caused additional casualties," Haq said on Friday.

Media accounts said the blast, variously ascribed to a grenade or the explosive vest of a suicide-bomber, occurred during a Shpageeza Premier League T20 match between Band-e-Amir Dragons and Pamir.

Guterres "extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a swift recovery to those injured. He reiterates that attacks against civilians and civilian objects are strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law," Haq said.

Cricket is very popular in Afghanistan and sporting events are often held on Friday, the Muslim holy day.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack, but most of the terror strikes carried out in Afghanistan since the Taliban seized control of the country last August have been the work of the Afghan branch of Islamic State.