Cricket Australia on Thursday (January 12) pulled out of the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan, citing Taliban's growing restrictions on women and girls.
Australia were scheduled to face Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series as part of the ICC Super League in UAE in March.
Amid the recent development, Afghanistan cricketers and their fans are venting out their disappointment through social media.
Taking to Instagram, star spinner Rashid Khan said he takes a lot of pride in representing his nation and would be strongly considering his future in the BBL.
“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 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,” Rashid wrote.
Former Afghanistan skipper Mohammad Nabi also condemned CA’s decision with an Instagram post.
“I strongly condemned the decision of @CricketAus by pulling out of the series and playing with us, through Cricket we have shown the world if right opportunity & Platform given to Afghans we are no less than the rest of the world. Let’ separate sports and politics. Afghan Cricketers are the role models of the modern era and proud ambassador of the Cricketing fraternity. I urge CA, ICC and rest of the world to be a support in these challenging moments with Afghanistan. Let’s aim to control the controlables and manage the distraction,” Nabi stated.
CA decided to withdraw from the ODI series after extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the Australian Government.
"Cricket Australia has decided that it is unable to proceed at this time with the upcoming ICC Super League three-match Men’s ODI series between Australia and Afghanistan scheduled for the UAE in March 2023," CA said in a statement.
"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 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," it added.
With this decision, Australia will also forfeit 30 competition points for the series, which go towards World Cup qualification. However, the points will be of little importance as they have already secured a spot for the ODI World Cup, slated to be held in India later this year.
