Cricket Australia has withdrawn from their ODI series against Afghanistan in March following the Taliban’s decision to ban Afghan girls from going to universities. Additionally, girls have been banned from high school since March as well as from parks and gyms.
“This decision follows the recent announcement by the Taliban of further restrictions on women’s and girls’ education and employment opportunities and their ability to access parks and gyms,” CA said in a statement.
“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. We thank the Australian government for its support on this matter,” concluded a statement from Cricket Australia.
Following Australia’s withdrawal, Afghanistan Cricket Board has been “extremely disappointed and saddened’ by the decision.
“Cricket Australia’s decision to withdraw … 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,” the ACB said.
“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 … 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, ” said ACB’s statement.
Really disappointed- Rashid Khan
Now star Afghanistan player Rashid Khan has come out and spoken on the issue in a strong-worded Tweet. He wrote, “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 uncomfortable for Australia then I wouldn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable with my presence in BBL. Therefore, I will be strongly considering my future in that competition.”
