Australia stands by their decision of withdrawing from series against Afghanistan

On Thursday Cricket Australia announced that they will be withdrawing from their ODI series against Afghanistan in UAE owing to the increased restrictions of Taliban on women education and their rights. Taliban, since its takeover in August last year, have imposed ban on women higher education and from parks and gyms as well. The three ODI series was scheduled to happen in March this year.

Cricket Australia made an official statement regarding the same and said, “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.

The series is a part of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Super League, where the top eight teams automatically qualify for the 2023 World Cup. Australia has already qualified for the tournament.

Post the announcement from CA, Afghan players expressed their distaste over the decision and even made statements regarding their participation in the next Big Bash League (BBL) matches.

Spinner Rashid Khan who plays for the Adelaide Strikers urged CA to put cricket out of politics and feels that this step is a ‘set back’ for Afghanistan.

Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley however defended their decision and said, “It is clearly a very challenging and sad situation. We did not take this decision lightly.” He added that this tough decision has been made after consulting with the Australian government. They were also constantly in touch with the Afghan Cricket Board and hoping for some improvement in the current situation.

In reference to Rashid Khan’s statement, Hockley said, “We acknowledge and applaud Rashid Khan’s and other Afghanistan cricketers’ comments at the time condemning the Taliban’s decision to ban women from universities. Rashid will always be welcome in the Big Bash League.”