CA CALLED OUT FOR TOUR SNUB ‘POLITICAL INFLUENCES’
Cricket Australia has been accused of “succumbing to external pressures” by the Afghanistan Cricket Board in the wake of the “disappointing” cancellation of another whiteball series.
Declaring it stands for “politics-free cricket across the globe”, the ACB called out CA for postponing the series without “exploring alternative solutions”.
Citing what it labelled a “marked deterioration in human rights” for women and girls in Afghanistan, CA called off the three-match T20 series planned for August in the UAE.
It’s the third time CA has pulled the pin on games against Afghanistan outside of ICC tournament play, maintaining a stance not to play them in bilateral cricket until there is “improved conditions for women and girls in the country” from the ruling Taliban.
But in response, the ACB accused CA of being swayed by “political influences”.
“ACB advocates for keeping cricket distinct from political influence, considering the game’s significance in Afghanistan and its connection to the happiness and joy of the Afghan nation,” a statement said.
“ACB acknowledges the pressures faced by Cricket Australia from the Australian government and emphasises the importance of addressing such issues through collaborative efforts between the two cricket boards. The ACB also urges the Australian government not to impose its policies on cricket boards and instead focus on supporting the development of cricket across regions.
“ACB’s top management had previously engaged in negotiations with Cricket Australia and proposed exploring alternative solutions instead of publicly announcing withdrawals. ACB expresses disappointment over CA’s decision to withdraw from Afghanistan for the third time.
“This recent withdrawal follows Cricket Australia’s previous actions, including withdrawing from a one-off Test match against Afghanistan in 2021 and refusing to play Afghanistan in a threematch ODI series in March 2023 due to government influence.
“ACB urges Cricket Australia to respect and understand its position as a full member nation and look for alternative solutions rather than succumbing to external pressures and/ or political influences.
“The Afghanistan Cricket Board remains committed to negotiating with the International Cricket Council, Cricket Australia and other full member countries and adhering to ICC principles to ensure cricket remains free from political influence and supported by all parties involved.”
Australia most recently played Afghanistan at the ODI World Cup in Indian last November when an unforgettable Glenn Maxwell double-century powered the eventual tournament winners to victory.
But Australia has never played Afghanistan outside of a World Cup having previously cancelled a one-off Test match that would have been played in Hobart in November 2021 and a three-match ODI series in 2023.