Afghanistan Cricket Board rubbishes 'pathetic' Cricket Australia statement

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has rubbished the "pathetic" statement by Cricket Australia that confirmed their withdrawal from the three-match ODI series between the two sides.

Australia pulled out of the upcoming one-day international series against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, citing Taliban moves to further restrict women's rights.

Meanwhile, the ACB expressed disappointment and said the board will take the matter to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

"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," an ACB statement read.

The board labelled the decision to pull out of the series "an unfortunate attempt to enter the realm of politics and politicise the sport" as it came after "consultation and potential enforcement from the Australian Government".

The ACB said that it is "unfair and unexpected and will have a negative impact on the development and growth of cricket in Afghanistan as well as will affect the love and passion of the Afghan nation for the game."

Moreover, if the decision to withdraw from Afghanistan's home series is not reversed, the board is also reconsidering the participation of Afghan players in the Big Bash League (BBL).

After the new development, Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq, who is representing Sydney Sixers in the BBL 13, decided to withdraw from the league, terming Australia's withdrawal from the series a "childish decision".

The hosts had settled all the required logistical arrangements for the series, which means that it would cause the board financial loss.

"The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has been working to promote cricket in schools and universities, and it has also been using the sport to promote healthy lifestyles and discourage young people from getting involved in drugs and crime," the board said.

"Cricket has been an important tool for promoting peace, unity, and development in Afghanistan, and it will continue to be a source of inspiration and hope for the people of the country in the years to come."

Cricket was barely known in Afghanistan until the early 2000s, and its explosive rise in popularity was linked with conflict — the sport was picked up in Pakistan by Afghan refugees who then seeded it in their home country.

But the national team has enjoyed a meteoric rise on the international scene since then, gaining coveted Test status in 2017 and now ranked among the top-10 sides in the world in the ODI and T20 formats.

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