Taking a major decision on Tuesday, Cricket Australia refused to play the ODI series with Afghanistan, scheduled to be played in the UAE. But Australia have refused to play the series, citing the Taliban’s increasing restrictions on women.
In a statement on Thursday, Cricket Australia said the decision to withdraw from the men’s one-day international series is taken following Taliban’s recent restrictions placed on women’s and girls’ education and employment opportunities and their ability to access parks and gyms.
“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,” CA said.
I am really disappointed to hear: Rashid Khan
Now Afghanistan’s star leg-spinner, Rashid Khan has protested against this decision and blew the bugle against Cricket Australia. Rashid has spoken of boycotting the Big Bash League. He said that his team made great progress on the world stage and he would not be playing in BBL if the Australian Team don’t play against Afghanistan.
‘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 up 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.”
The Australian team will play a series of four Tests and three ODIs on the tour of India in February. Immediately after that, the Kangaroo team are supposed play a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Notably, the series is also a part of the Cricket Governing Council body’s Super League.
Australia will lose 30 competition points for not participating in the series, which will go to Afghanistan. Though, it doesn’t doesn’t because Australia have already qualified for the ODI World Cup, to be held in India this year.
