Afghanistan and Australia were due to contest three ODIs in the UAE in March but Cricket Australia have pulled out of the series over the Taliban's treatment of women and girls
The Afghanistan Cricket Board are "rethinking" their decision to allow Afghanistan players to participate in the Big Bash following Australia's withdrawal from an upcoming ODI series.
Australia were due to travel to the UAE in March for three ODIs but have since pulled out of the series over the Taliban's treatment of women and girls.
The Taliban regained control of the country in 2021 and have curtailed the rights of women and girls, banning them from participating in sporting activities and attending university.
"CA is committed to supporting growing the game for women and men around the world, including in Afghanistan, and will continue to engage with the Afghanistan Cricket Board in anticipation of improved conditions for women and girls in the country," Cricket Australia said.
In response, the ACB labelled the statement as "pathetic" and criticised Cricket Australia for politicising cricket. They will take their complaints to the ICC.
The two sides recently met at the 2022 T20 World Cup [Sarah Reed/Getty Images]
In a statement, the ACB said: "Afghanistan Cricket Board is extremely disappointed and saddened by the pathetic statement of Cricket Australia to withdraw from Afghanistan's home three-match ODI series in March and will officially write to the International Cricket Council about the issue.
"Cricket Australia's decision to withdraw from upcoming matches against Afghanistan is coming after consultation and potential enforcement from the Australian Government which is an unfortunate attempt to enter the realm of politics and politicize the sport. By prioritizing political interests over the principles of fair play and sportsmanship, Cricket Australia is undermining the integrity of the game and damaging the relationship between the two nations.
"The decision to withdraw from playing the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan is unfair and unexpected and will have a negative impact on the development and growth of cricket in Afghanistan as well as will affect the love and passion of the Afghan nation for the game.
"The recent decision by Cricket Australia to withdraw from upcoming matches against Afghanistan has caused a great deal of concern within the Afghan cricket community. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is closely monitoring the situation and is considering taking action, including officially writing to ICC and rethinking the participation of Afghan players in the Big Bash League (BBL), if the decision to withdraw from Afghanistan’s home series is not overturned.
"Cricket has played a significant role in promoting unity and national pride in Afghanistan. After years of war and conflict, cricket has helped to bring people together and provide a sense of normalcy to the country. It has also been an important source of hope and inspiration for all Afghans, particularly young people. In addition, cricket has also been an important tool for promoting education and social development in the country.
"The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has been working to promote cricket in schools and universities, and it has also been using the sport to promote healthy lifestyles and discourage young people from getting involved in drugs and crime. Cricket has been an important tool for promoting peace, unity, and development in Afghanistan, and it will continue to be a source of inspiration and hope for the people of the country in the years to come."
Afghanistan T20 captain, Rashid Khan (left), is a fan favourite at Adelaide Strikers [Mark Brake/Getty Images]
Afghanistan players have long been in high demand in the Big Bash, perhaps most notably Rashid Khan. The allrounder, who captains Afghanistan in T20 cricket, is a fan favourite at Adelaide Strikers, for whom he has scored 403 runs and taken 98 wickets in 69 appearances.
In a statement on Twitter, Rashid said he was considering his own BBL future, writing: "I am really disappointed to hear that Australia have pulled out of the series to play us in March. I take great pride in representing my country and we have made great progress on the world stage.
"This decision from CA sets us back in that journey. If playing vs Afghanistan is so uncomfortable for Australia then I wouldn't want to make anyone uncomfortable with my presence in the BBL. Therefore, I will be strongly considering my future in that competition."
Cricket! The only hope for the country.
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) January 12, 2023
Keep politics out of it. @CricketAus @BBL @ACBofficials ♥️ 🇦🇫 ♥️ pic.twitter.com/ZPpvOBetPJ
Compatriots Mohammad Nabi, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Qais Ahmad, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Izharulhaq Naveed and Naveen-ul-Haq are among those who have also played in the competition in recent years.
Naveen, who represented Sydney Sixers as a replacement player in BBL12, has also responded to Australia's withdrawal, writing on Twitter: "Time to say won't be participating in big bash after this until they stop these childish decisions.
"That's how they went about the one-off test, now ODI when a country is going through so much in place off [sic] being supportive you want to take the only reason of happiness from them."
time to say won’t be participating in big bash after this until they stop these childish decisions that’s how they went about the one off test now ODI when a country is going through so much in place off being supportive you want to take the only reason of happiness from them #CA
— Naveen ul haq Murid (@imnaveenulhaq) January 12, 2023
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