Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said on Wednesday that it will officially write to the International Cricket Council (ICC) about Cricket Australia's (CA) withdrawal from the three-match men's ODI series that they will host in March.
Earlier in the day, Cricket Australia (CA) announced in an official statement that it has decided to withdraw from a men's one-day international (ODI) series against Afghanistan scheduled to be played in the UAE in March as part of the ICC Super League, after consulting with the government and following the Taliban's recent announcement banning women's and girls' education, employment, and access to parks and gyms.
ABC has also stated that if CA does not reverse its decision to not play an ODI series against their men's team, they may reconsider the participation of Afghan players in the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia.
"Cricket Australia's decision to withdraw from upcoming matches against Afghanistan follows consultation and possible enforcement by the Australian Government, which is an unfortunate attempt to enter the realm of politics and politicise the sport."
"By prioritising 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. Cricket Australia's recent decision to withdraw from upcoming matches against Afghanistan has caused widespread concern within the Afghan cricket community.
"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," said the ACB in its statement.
ACB further said the decision taken by CA will severely impact the growth of cricket in the country. "The decision to withdraw from playing the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan is unfair and unexpected and will have a negative impact on the development and growth of cricket in Afghanistan as well as will affect the love and passion of the Afghan nation for the game."
"Cricket has played a significant role in promoting unity and national pride in Afghanistan. After years of war and conflict, cricket has helped to bring people together and provide a sense of normalcy to the country. It has also been an important source of hope and inspiration for all Afghans, particularly young people. In addition, Cricket has also been an important tool for promoting education and social development in the country."
Cricket, according to the ACB, has been a tool for development in the country, and it is willing to collaborate with the CA and other boards to find appropriate solutions. "The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has worked to promote cricket in schools and universities, as well as to promote healthy lifestyles and discourage young people from becoming involved in drugs and crime."
"Cricket has been an important tool for promoting peace, unity, and development in Afghanistan, and it will continue to be a source of inspiration and hope for the country's people in the coming years."
"Afghanistan's three-match ODI series against Australia in March is considered to be Afghanistan's sixth series in the ICC Cricket World Cup's Super League, which is set to be hosted by Afghanistan in UAE and the ACB has already settled all the required logistical arrangements."
"Afghanistan Cricket Board has always been responsive and expressed its willingness to work together with Cricket Australia and other member boards including stakeholders; to find a solution that supports the development of the game in Afghanistan."
CA has cancelled a bilateral meeting with Afghanistan for the second time in two years due to the Taliban government's policies toward women.
Previously, the CA postponed a one-off men's Test scheduled for Hobart in November 2021 due to concerns about women's cricket in Afghanistan following the Taliban's takeover of the country.
During the recent Men's T20 World Cup in Adelaide, Australia defeated Afghanistan by four runs. The two teams have only met once in a bilateral match, in 2012, with the other three encounters occurring during ICC World Cups.