The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) called Australia’s decision to withdraw from the bilateral series in March “pathetic” and announced it would take the matter to the ICC.
The ACB on Thursday lashed out at the CA, saying the Australian board had “prioritized political interests over the principles of fair play and sportsmanship”, “undermining the integrity of the game and undermining relations between the two countries”. .
CA announced Thursday its decision to withdraw the Australian men’s team from the three-match ODI series against the United Arab Emirates’ Afghanistan, after consultations with the Australian government. It was a recent announcement to ban college education, ICC development director Jeff Allardyce said with concern.
The ACB responded that it would “reconsider the participation of Afghan players in the Big Bash League (BBL)” unless CA reversed its decision. However, the ACB statement did not specifically mention the future of women’s cricket in Afghanistan.
“Cricket Australia’s decision to withdraw from its next match against Afghanistan is the result of consultation and possible enforcement by the Australian Government in an unfortunate attempt to enter the political realm and politicize the sport.” the statement said. “The decision to withdraw from participation in future ODI series with Afghanistan is unfair and unexpected and will adversely affect the development and growth of cricket in Afghanistan, affecting the love and passion of the Afghan people for the game. give.
“Cricket has played an important role in promoting unity and national pride in Afghanistan. After years of war and conflict, cricket has brought people together and brought a sense of normalcy to the country. It’s been helpful. It has also been an important source of hope and inspiration for all Afghans, especially the youth.In addition, cricket [sic] is also an important tool for promoting education and social development in the country.
“The Afghan Cricket Board (ACB) is committed to promoting cricket in schools and colleges, using the sport to promote a healthy lifestyle and to discourage young people from engaging in drugs and crime. Cricket has been an important tool in promoting peace, unity and development in Afghanistan and will continue to be a source of inspiration and hope for the people of this country.”
It is the second time in two years CA have canceled their bilateral match against Afghanistan due to the Taliban government’s women policy after a one-off test scheduled for November 2021 in Hobart was postponed. .
Australia faced Afghanistan in her last T20 World Cup in Adelaide. They are due to meet with Afghanistan twice more on the next Future Tour cycle, with three T20Is scheduled in neutral locations in August 2024, and Afghanistan touring and testing in Australia in August 2026. and three T20Is