The Afghanistan Cricket Board have wasted little time in slamming Cricket Australia for abandoning their slated ODI tour in February and March.
Cricket Australia yesterday ended plans to play matches against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates over the nation's policies around women being able to play cricket under Taliban rule.
The nation's T20 captain Rashid Khan has already threatened a walkout from the T20 Big Bash competition in Australia over the nation's stance and cancellation of the tour, with the board promising to write to the ICC.
The ACB have also accused Cricket Australia of politicising the sport by pulling out of the tour over political interests, while also labelling the decision "unfair" and "unexpected."
The ACB have also threatened the participation of all Afghan players in the BBL is the decision is not overturned.
Under ICC policies, any full member nation - which grants extra funding and Test match status - must have a women's team, and the ICC have already confirmed conversation around Afghanistan will occur at their next meeting, with CEO Geoff Alardice labelling the latest developments as "concerning."
The ACB statement made no mention of the specific reasons behind Australia's abandonment of the tour - only that cricket should not be politicised.
Afghanistan Cricket Board's full statement
"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," the statement reads.
"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. 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.
"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.
"The recent decision by Cricket Australia to withdraw from upcoming matches against Afghanistan has caused a great deal of 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.
"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.
"The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has been working to promote cricket in schools and universities, and it has also been using the sport to promote healthy lifestyles and discourage young people from getting 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 people of the country in the years to come.
"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."
