SYDNEY: Australia justifies its contentious decision to cancel a cricket series with Afghanistan in response to the Taliban’s violation of women’s “fundamental human rights” on Friday.
Afghanistan’s cricket board called the cancellation “pathetic,” and Cricket Australia’s chief executive Nick Hockley responded: “Basic human rights is not politics.”
After a tour of India, the Australian men’s team scheduled to play three one-day internationals against their Afghan opponents in the United Arab Emirates in March.
“It is obvious that the situation is difficult and depressing. We didn’t make this choice hastily, “said Hockley.
He continued by saying that the Afghanistan Cricket Board and Cricket Australia were frequently in touch.
He added that the Taliban’s pronouncements in late November and late December signalling the degradation of fundamental human rights for women in Afghanistan prompted his team’s decision to leave the games.
Before cancelling the matches, the Australian Cricket Authority, according to Hockley, held consultations with the Australian government and other parties.
Rashid Khan, a well-known Afghan leg-spinner, responded to the cancellation by considering playing in Australia’s Big Bash League. He is one of the most well-known leg-spinners in international cricket from Afghanistan. He might consider playing in Australia’s Big Bash League in the future.
We support the remarks of Afghan cricket players criticizing Taliban’s prohibition of women attending institutions. The players’ support of women rights is commendable. The cricket players like Rashid Khan have raised their voices in support of women rights. The BBL will always welcome Rashid, “added Hockley.
The cricket chief said Australia dedicated to developing the sport for both sexes. He hopes improved conditions in Afghanistan will resume cricket between the two nations. He said it will happen in the near future.