Cricket Australia have joined a cause or are they first to do so at the International level? The board has pulled out from playing against Afghanistan even at a neutral venue. They cited that Women’s and Girls’ rights in the country is being heavily discarded by Cricket Australia.
And that is the reason why the baggy greens will not be playing against the Afghans for a 3-match ODI series as it was decided. This news broke out everywhere and it received mixed reactions. Some of the Media supported while some didn’t.
Cricket Australia 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. pic.twitter.com/cgQ2p21X2Q
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) January 12, 2023
However, the Afghani cricketers who are playing the sport even after such a turmoil in their own land did not welcome this cancellation. It is one of their source of happiness and in response they showed their disagreement with CA. But you can’t blame the Aussie apex cricketing body.
Women’s rights have been exploited by the new Regime and their latest restrictions on their freedom to be employed, educated and to be able play sport is certainly what CA did not appreciate. In anticipation of improved circumstances for Afghani Women they pulled out of the series at United Arab Emirates.
The recipients in retaliation relinquished their spots from their Big Bash League teams and pulled immediately mid-season. The last time they met Australia at the ICC T20 World Cup 2022, Afghanistan missed out from a famous victory by 4 runs at the Adelaide Oval.
Rashid Khan had set the atmosphere on fire after a quickfire 48 off 23. Pacer Naveen Ul-Haq picked 3 wickets – David Warner, Kane Richardson and Pat Cummins. He became the first player to leave the BBL and described CA’s decision to be harsh and childish.
So that was it the final verdict and it seems pretty clear that Cricket Australia can let the team tour to Pakistan who have even severe allegations. How do you see it?