Afghan Cricket Board Slams Australia’s Decision
Afghanistan’s Chief Selector and former national cricketer Asadullah Khan has strongly criticised Cricket Australia (CA) for repeatedly refusing to play bilateral series against Afghanistan. He said the decision goes against the spirit of the game and unfairly targets the Afghan cricket team.
In his statement, Asadullah expressed disappointment that Australia continues to cancel scheduled matches with Afghanistan, citing political and human rights concerns. Cricket Australia’s refusal is not about cricket—it’s about politics, he said. Such behaviour damages the game’s integrity and isolates Afghan players who have worked hard to earn their place among the elite.
Afghanistan Earned Its Place on Merit
Asadullah highlighted that Afghanistan’s national team has achieved remarkable success in recent years, competing fiercely in global tournaments. Our players have risen through merit, not favouritism or charity, he emphasized.
He also praised the Afghanistan women’s team, noting their determination despite limited opportunities and resources. According to him, their achievements reflect the resilience and passion of Afghan cricket as a whole.
Politics and Cricket Should Not Mix
The Chief Selector accused several cricket boards of mixing politics with sports, calling it detrimental to the spirit of the game. Cricket should unite, not divide, he said, urging the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the global cricket community to play a positive role in ensuring inclusivity and fairness.
Cricket Australia has, since 2021, postponed or withdrawn from three bilateral series against Afghanistan, citing the Taliban government’s restrictions on women’s rights. The Afghan Cricket Board, however, argues that sports should remain separate from political disputes and that boycotts only harm athletes and fans.
A Growing Debate in International Cricket
The dispute has sparked broader discussions within the cricket world about whether national boards should engage in sports diplomacy or take moral stands through boycotts. While some support Australia’s decision as a matter of principle, others believe it sets a troubling precedent that punishes players for their governments’ actions.
As the tension continues, Afghanistan’s cricket team—now ranked among the top ten in several formats—remains determined to prove its worth on the global stage, both through performance and professionalism.
