Cricket Australia cops backlash for cancelling Afghanistan tour

Cricket Australia has formally announced they have cancelled their upcoming ODI tour of Afghanistan, scheduled for the UAE in March 2023.

A press release was published on Thursday having consulted with relevant stakeholders as well as the Australian Government prior to making the decision.

Cricket Australia announced via social media and the Cricket Australia website they would not be travelling to Afghanistan for their ODI tour in the UAE, noting they are “committed to supporting growing the game for women and men around the world, including in Afghanistan”.

Issues and tension in Afghanistan have grown rapidly in the last six months, which has not stopped CA for being criticised publicly for the decision.

The Taliban controlled the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 before being overthrown by the United States and allies, including Australia. On August 15, 2021, the Taliban recaptured Afghanistan capital Kabul, after the messy US departure, and currently controls the country.

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The Taliban has long been condemned for their practices of human trafficking, the oppression of women and girls, violence against civilians (including Christians, Hindus and Sikhs) and aid workers, cultural genocide, the conscription of children and their bans on entertainment and recreational activities.

The final decision by CA was reached following 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”.

CA also announced they will “continue to engage with the Afghanistan Cricket Board in anticipation of improved conditions for women and girls in the country”.

However, CA’s decision has been met with criticism from the Afghan cricket community.

Following CA’s decision, thee Afghanistan Cricket Board described the cancellation of the upcoming tour as “pathetic”, as well as condemning CA’s “attempt to enter the realm of politics and politicise the sport”.

The ACB went on to state “By prioritising political interests over the principles of fair play and sportsmanship, Cricket Australia is undermining the integrity of the game and damaging the relationship between the two nations”.

The ACB has also added they will be “rethinking” the participation of Afghan players in the Big Bash League if CA’s decision is not overturned, with Naveen-ul-Haq already withdrawing from the competition.

Naveen-ul-Haq took to Twitter saying “Time to say won’t be participating in big bash after this until they stop these childish decisions…”

Afghanistan T20 captain, and possibly their greatest ever cricketer, Rashid Khan, has also slammed the decision by CA.

“I am really disappointed to hear that Australia have pulled out of the series to play us in March,” he said.

Khan has shown in the KFC BBL 12 that he can lose control of his emotions when things are not going his way, even in scenarios where he cannot take wickets, and doubled down on his comments.

“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,” he said.

The ACB, along with players such as Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq have been slammed on social media, with many asking about their responses to the Taliban’s views on women’s rights in the country and if the players would stand up against the political movement in their home country.

The Australian cricket team has come under fire recently for politicising sport, including captain Pat Cummins decision to no longer support the team’s major financial backer Alinta Energy, because of their perceived lack of action on climate change.

The latest controversy comes at a bad time for the sport in Australia, with a much-anticipated tour to India coming up, after a below-par summer of Test cricket in Australia.

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