Afghanistan boycott BBL

After Naveen ul haq, a prominent cricketer from Afghanistan, has vowed to pull out from the Big Bash after Cricket Australia decided to refuse a tour to his country in March. Let us look at details on Afghanistan boycott BBL after Australia refuse to tour Afghanistan.

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It comes after another player and captain Rashid Khan, a cult icon in the league with the Adelaide Strikers since 2017, tweeted his displeasure over the tour’s cancellation.

Afghanistan’s star player Rashid Khan expressed his displeasure on Twitter and wrote, “Cricket! The only hope for the country. Keep politics out of it. @CricketAus @BBL @ACBofficials,” he tweeted along with a photo, which had the below text.

“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.”

Afghanistan’s board reaction on Australia’s decision

Cricketers from the nation are responding strongly after Australia withdrew from a planned series against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, citing Taliban moves to further restrict women’s rights.

The men’s squad was scheduled to play three ODI matches against their Afghan opponents in March.

The Australian government’s decision was labelled “pathetic” by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) in Kabul. The ACB stated in a statement that “the decision to withdraw… is unfair and unexpected and would have a negative impact” however, they didn’t address the Taliban’s prohibition on female sports or the Taliban’s reduction of women’s rights in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan players to pull out from BBL

The ACB stated that it would speak with the International Cricket Council. And, as reprisal, was considering pulling its players from the Big Bash League, Australia’s national league. Cricket Australia (CA) stated that their choice was made following discussions with all stakeholders involved, including the Australian government.

“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,” it said in a statement. “CA is committed to supporting growing the game for women and men around the world, including in Afghanistan.

“(We) will continue to engage with the Afghanistan Cricket Board in anticipation of improved conditions for women and girls in the country,” it said.

The matches versus Afghanistan were a part of the ICC Super League. Australia will give up 30 competition points for the series, which go toward World Cup qualification.

However, they have already secured their automatic qualification for the 50-over competition in India later this year.