Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley announces decision to withdraw men’s team from one-day international series against Afghanistan over women’s rights after criticism of Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and its players defended
Australia has abandoned his three-match series in the United Arab Emirates due to the Taliban further restricting education and employment opportunities for women and girls.
In an angry response, the ACB described the decision as “unfair” and “pathetic”, but spinner Rashid Khan wrote on Twitter that he is thinking about his future in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL):
“Crickets! Only hope for the country. Keep politics out of it.”
The Taliban-led Afghan government last month banned women from attending college. Girls have been banned from high school since March. They are also prohibited from entering parks and gyms.
“Fundamental human rights are not politics,” Hockley said Friday. “Obviously, this is a very challenging and sad situation.
“We had hopes of playing the series and had been in regular dialogue with the Afghan Cricket Commission, but in late November and he said in late December that the Taliban announced that these games would not be possible. I have made the decision to withdraw from
Rashid, who plays for the Adelaide Strikers, has previously voiced support for women in Afghanistan since the Taliban took control. His international teammate Naveen-ul-Haq said he would not play for the BBL “until they stop making these childish decisions”.
“I recognize and welcome the statements of Rashid Khan and other Afghan cricketers at the time condemning the Taliban’s decision to ban women from attending college,” Hockley added.
“Rashid is always welcome at BBL.
“We remain committed to supporting the growth of the game for women and men around the world, and the improved situation for women and girls in Afghanistan will lead to a bilateral partnership in the not too distant future. I hope we can resume cricket.”