Web desk: Cricket Australia pulled out of a scheduled bilateral series against Afghanistan last year, citing the Taliban’s human rights violations in the country as the main reason for the boycott.
Before this, Cricket Australia “postponed” its 2021 Test match with Afghanistan over concerns about the Taliban’s human rights abuses against women. They did not play in the subsequent 2023 or 2024 series, too, but said it will fulfil its tournament obligations.
“The (Afghanistan) team was formed in 2020 by the Afghanistan Cricket Board, prompted by ICC rules that stipulate countries must have men’s and women’s sides. But when the Taliban reclaimed power, they effectively outlawed women’s sport, so the Afghan women have never represented their country until their game yesterday,” reported ABC News in January.
The move has sparked criticism from Afghanistan’s cricket officials, who say it ‘unfairly’ punishes a team that has earned its place among the world’s top cricketing nations.
Cricket Australia Boycott: Asadullah Khan Reacts
Former Afghanistan cricketer and current chief selector Asadullah Khan has criticised Cricket Australia’s decision to avoid bilateral series against Afghanistan.
“Our women’s cricket team hasn’t played any matches in recent years, and this will take time to change. But Cricket Australia and other Boards linking cricket with politics, I don’t think that’s a good sign for the gentleman’s game,” he stated, reports the media.
He said the move goes against the “gentleman’s spirit” of the game and unfairly targets a team that has earned its place among the world’s elite through consistent performances.
Khan described Australia’s refusal to play as politically motivated and damaging to Afghan men’s cricket.
He stressed that Afghanistan’s achievements are based on merit. “We didn’t get ICC full-member status as a charity; we earned it. Our spin attack is among the best in the world, and our winning record is strong.
Khan acknowledged the challenges facing women’s cricket in Afghanistan but said isolating the national team is not the solution.
He added that cultural factors and the slow acceptance of change in the country should not justify boycotts that ‘hurt’ men’s cricket.
He also expressed gratitude to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for its continued support of Afghan cricket.
