'Keep cricket distinct from political influence': Afghanistan board condemns Australia's decision to postpone series

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) have condemned Cricket Australia's (CA) decision to postpone the T20I series between the two countries that was scheduled for August this year, requesting CA to "not succumb" to pressure from the Australian government, which ACB feel was the reason for the postponement. On Tuesday, CA had decided to postpone a three-match T20I home series against Afghanistan citing the "worsening" human rights for women in Afghanistan under the Taliban's regime.

"The Afghanistan Cricket Board expresses disappointment over Cricket Australia's decision to postpone yet another bilateral series against Afghanistan and reiterates its stance on neutral and politics-free cricket across the globe," the ACB said in a letter.

"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."

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"ACB acknowledges the pressures faced by Cricket Australia from the Australian government, and emphasises on the importance of addressing such issues through collaborative efforts between the two cricket boards. 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," added the letter.

In November 2021, the CA had postponed a one-off Test against Afghanistan in Hobart, and later also called off a three-match ODI series against the Asian country in the UAE.

It's also relevant to note that Afghanistan were also the only Full Member to not take part in the Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa last year since women in the country had been barred from playing cricket.