KHAN MULLS REVENGE BY TURNING HIS BACK ON BBL
RASHID Khan has threatened to turn his back on the Big Bash following Australia’s decision to boycott playing his homeland, Afghanistan.
Arguably the best international export in BBL history, Khan has launched a stinging attack on Cricket Australia over its decision to pull out of an ODI series against Afghanistan in March over a human rights stand.
Cricket Australia announced on Thursday that the men’s team had withdrawn from an upcoming series against Afghanistan to be staged in the UAE in response to the ruling Taliban’s “concerning” restrictions on women and girl’s activities.
However, the political stance – which was backed by the Australian government – could cost the Big Bash its biggest star.
“I am really disappointed to hear that Australia have pulled out of the series to play us in March,” Rashid wrote on Twitter. “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.”
Rashid played eight matches for the Adelaide Strikers this season before heading to South Africa to play a new cashed-up T20 franchise league that runs against the BBL. The Afghanistan Cricket Board labelled CA’s move “pathetic” and threatened their players’ participation in the BBL.
“Afghanistan Cricket Board is extremely disappointed and saddened by the pathetic statement of Cricket Australia to withdraw from Afghanistan’s home three-match ODI series in March and will officially write to the International Cricket Council about the issue,” the ACB said.
“The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is closely monitoring the situation and is considering taking action, including officially writing to ICC and rethinking the participation of Afghan players in the Big Bash League.”
The Big Bash helped launch the superstar leg-spinner’s career and he has become a household name with his performances for Adelaide.
Even this summer, Rashid provided one of the highlights of the Australian season, when he jumped into the nets to bowl to West Indian legend Brian Lara on Fox Cricket.
Another Afghan star has also lashed CA for its boycott.
“Just read the news of Australia not playing the series against us,” Rahmanulla Gurbaz wrote on social media. “This is shocking and unacceptable act of CA.”
But after “extensive consultation” with relevant stakeholders, including the Australian government, Cricket Australia decided that it would refuse to play Afghanistan in bilateral competition.