Afghanistani Cricketers have responded to Cricket Australia‘s decision to not travel to the UAE for the 3-match ODI series which was scheduled to begin from March onwards. This decision is not being welcomed in the Afghani cricket fraternity and slammed them for being unfair.
CA's statement to withdraw Afghanistan ODIs is unfair and unexpected
ACB is extremely disappointed by the pathetic decision of @CricketAus to withdraw from Afghanistan ODI series in March and will officially write to the @ICC over the issue.
More: https://t.co/ODjzX0Guf1 pic.twitter.com/e8xFdzstvf
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) January 12, 2023
One thing to notice here is that Australia have prevented from playing against Afg in a bilateral series for the second time. A couple of years ago CA pulled out from a 1-one off Test match due to their rulers’ harsh treatment of Women rights policy.
Afghanistan’s policies have not changed much since then and CA have stamped another blockade on a possible series. Their verdict had various connotation but the board’s own narrative was that they don’t support a regime or govt. which exploits the rights of Women and doesn’t allow them to get educated or employed.
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
In response, a lot of players featured in the BBL are considering to leave the on-going season of Big Bash League T20 with immediate effect. Rashid Khan tweeted about CA’s decision and admitted that he was not expecting such a move.
He also asked if they are comfortable enough to let him feature in the league and his statement indicates that he might quit playing in the BBL. Fazalhaq Farooqi’s contract with Sydney Thunders have already been terminated due to certain undisclosed Disciplinary measures.
Afghanistan’s Pace Bowler Fazal Haq Farooqi’s BBL contract has been terminated After an investigation by Cricket Australia’s Integrity Unit. Board has kept further details confidential.#BBL #SydneyThunder #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/3Q4T7gI8Fd
— The Headline (@theheadlinepk) December 23, 2022
Pacer Naveen-Ul-Haq was the first to initiate such an action as he has already decided to not play in the Australian domestic circuit. Rashid Khan’s tweet indicated that he is also set to leave the BBL soonwhile Mujeeb-Ur-Rahman and Izharulhaq Naveed are still thinking about their future in BBL.
Also Read – Afghanistan Pacer Naveen-Ul-Haq withdraws from the Big Bash League in protest of Cricket Australia