"Disappointed" Rashid Khan condemns Cricket Australia's decision to call off ODI series

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"Disappointed" Rashid Khan condemns Cricket Australia's decision to call off ODI series (Image: Twitter/@rashidkhan_19)
"Disappointed" Rashid Khan condemns Cricket Australia's decision to call off ODI series (Image: Twitter/@rashidkhan_19)

New Delhi : Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan has shared his disappointment over the Cricket Australia this season to withdraw from the upcoming ODI series against his team. On Thursday, Cricket Australia announced that they will not be playing against Afghanistan in the upcoming 3 match ODI series in a protest against Taliban decision to ban women from playing cricket and other sports.

Sharing his thoughts over the development, skipper Rashid Khan said that cricket is the only hope for his country, politics should be kept out of it.

Rashid Khan Reaction

In his tweet Rashid mentioned, "I am really disappointed to hear that Australia have pulled out of the series to play us in March. Hey. I take great pride in representing my country and we have made great progress on the world stage. This decision from CA sets us back in that journey. If playing versus 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."

On Thursday, Cricket Australia Head announced that they have had a meeting with the management and they have decided to withdraw from the upcoming 3-match ODI series against Afghanistan. The decision has been taken in a protest against Taliban's ban over women in Afghanistan, which bars them from attending the schools, colleges and also participating in the sports activities.

Cricket Australia Statement

On Twitter, Cricket Australia wrote: "Cricket Australia is committed to supporting growing the game for women and men around the world, including in Afghanistan, and will continue to engage with the Afghanistan Cricket Board in anticipation of improved conditions for women and girls in the country." 

Death threat to women athletes

The Taliban government is adamant on stopping all education and sport activities for women. And in the same regards, they have also issued death threats to women athletes who will be found not obeying the orders.