Don’t give in to external pressure: Afghanistan condemn Cricket Australia for postponement of bilateral series Cricket News

An angry Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Wednesday asked its Australian counterparts “not to give in” to government pressure, which the South Asian country believes has led to the postponement of the bilateral T20 series. Cricket Australia (CA) on Tuesday postponed the three-match T20 international home series against Afghanistan’s men’s team in August this year, citing the “deteriorating” situation of women and girls in the country.

The ACB responded to CA’s move in a strongly worded letter, saying: “The Afghanistan Cricket Board expresses disappointment at Cricket Australia’s decision to postpone another bilateral series against Afghanistan and reiterates its commitment to global cricket neutrality and Neutral stance.

“Considering the importance of the game in Afghanistan and its association with the happiness and joy of the Afghan nation, ACB advocates for the separation of cricket from political influence.” CA’s decision to postpone the upcoming episode comes as a result of its efforts in Afghanistan The continuation of a tough stance on the issue. CA canceled the one-off Test against them in Hobart in November 2021 and subsequently they also postponed the three-match ODI series in the UAE.

The Afghan board believes CA is acting on instructions from the Australian government, which has been asked “not to impose its policies on cricket boards but to focus on supporting the development of cricket across regions”.

“The ACB acknowledges that Cricket Australia is under pressure from the Australian Government and stresses the importance of addressing these issues through collaboration between the two cricket boards.

“ACB senior management had previously been in talks with Cricket Australia and proposed exploring alternative solutions rather than publicly announcing their withdrawal.

“ACB is disappointed with CA’s decision to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan for the third time,” the board said in the letter.

The three-match T20I series is part of the ICC FTP (Future Tour Plan) Afghanistan 2023-2027 international schedule, which was approved by the ICC in the presence of the CA delegation, who “agreed to the then-current schedule Arrangements,” ACB said.

“The latest withdrawal follows previous actions by Cricket Australia, including withdrawing from a one-off Test match against Afghanistan in 2021 and refusing to play in three ODIs against Afghanistan in March 2023 due to government influence series.

“ACB urges Cricket Australia to respect and understand its status as a full member and seek alternative solutions rather than succumbing to external pressure and/or political influence.” Finally, the disappointed board said the ACB remains “committed to working with negotiations with the ICC, CA and other full member states” and “adherence” to the principles of the sport’s apex body to ensure cricket is free from political influence and supported by all parties involved.

Afghanistan are the only official member not to participate in the Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup in South Africa as women in the country are banned from participating in competitive cricket.