KABUL: The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Thursday condemned Cricket Australia’s statement and decision to withdraw from the ODI series by terming it “pathetic and unfair”.

In an official statement, ACB expressed their disappointment over Cricket Australia’s (CA) decision to withdraw from the ODI series, citing the increased restrictions on women under Taliban rule and also announced to take the matter officially to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

“Afghanistan Cricket Board is extremely disappointed and saddened by the pathetic statement of Cricket Australia to withdraw from Afghanistan’s home three-match ODI series in March and will officially write to the International Cricket Council about the issue,” an ACB statement read.

The cricket board further termed CA’s decision an “unfortunate attempt to enter the realm of politics and politicize the sport” while also blaming the Australian board for undermining the integrity of the sport.

“Cricket Australia’s decision to withdraw from upcoming matches against Afghanistan is coming after consultation and potential enforcement from the Australian Government which is an unfortunate attempt to enter the realm of politics and politicize the sport,” ACB statement read.

“By prioritizing 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,” it added.

The Afghan board also threatened to “rethink” about the participation of Aghan players in the ongoing BigBash League if the decision to withdraw does not get overturned.

“The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is closely monitoring the situation and is considering taking action, including officially writing to ICC and rethinking the participation of Afghan players in the Big Bash League (BBL), if the decision to withdraw from Afghanistan’s home series is not overturned,” stated ACB.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 13 2023

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