Afghanistan's chief selector, Asadullah Khan, has taken a firm stand against the intertwining of politics with cricket, criticising Cricket Australia and other
boards for severing ties with Afghanistan over human rights issues.
Cricket Australia (CA) had earlier suspended bilateral fixtures with Afghanistan, citing the Taliban's restrictions on women's participation in sports. In March last year, CA pulled out of a T20I series after consultations with the Australian government - a decision that mirrored its earlier withdrawal from an ODI series scheduled for March 2023. Although the two sides continue to meet in ICC tournaments, no bilateral engagements have been held since.
Asadullah expressed disappointment over the move, asserting that Afghanistan's rise in world cricket was earned through sheer effort, not sympathy. "We did not get ICC full-member status as a charity; we earned it through our performance and credibility. Our spin attack is the best in the world and our winning percentage is impressive," he said.
The Afghan selector acknowledged the existing hurdles in reviving women's cricket in the country, but argued that isolating Afghanistan from the global cricket community would do more harm than good. "The way Australia and other countries are treating Afghanistan cricket, there are cultural factors involved and the nation has not yet accepted some changes. But refusing to play with us because of that will only hurt men's cricket, too," Asadullah stated.
Following the Taliban's takeover of Kabul in 2021, Afghanistan's women's cricket team was disbanded, leaving the future of the sport for women uncertain. However, Asadullah believes gradual progress is possible and expressed appreciation for India's continued assistance.
"Our women's cricket team has not played any matches in recent years and this will take time to change. But Cricket Australia and other Boards linking cricket with politics, I don't think that is a good sign for the gentleman's game," he told PTI, while thanking the BCCI for its support.
Asadullah reiterated that Afghanistan's presence in world cricket is built on merit - a testament to its resilience amid adversity.
