Afghanistan’s Chief Selector Slams Cricket Australia: ‘Unfair, Political, Against Gentleman’s Spirit’
Former Afghanistan cricketer and current chief selector, Asadullah Khan, has sharply criticized Cricket Australia (CA) for its ongoing refusal to engage in bilateral series against the Afghan national team.
Khan labeled CA’s stance as “unfair, political, and against the gentleman’s spirit” of the game, highlighting a growing tension in international cricket relations.
The Core of the Dispute: Linking Sports with Politics
Speaking to PTI, Asadullah Khan expressed strong disapproval of Australia’s decision to intertwine sports with political issues.
Cricket Australia had previously postponed a scheduled series, citing the Taliban’s restrictions on women’s rights as the reason.
“Our women’s cricket team hasn’t played any matches in recent years, and this will take time to change,” Khan acknowledged.
“But Cricket Australia and other Boards linking cricket with politics — I don’t think that’s a good sign for the gentleman’s game.”
CA’s Stance and Afghanistan’s Reality
Last year, Cricket Australia withdrew from a three-match T20I series, stating that playing Afghanistan would contradict its commitment to supporting women’s rights.
While Asadullah Khan admitted to Afghanistan’s internal challenges, he stressed that isolating the men’s cricket team is not the answer.
“There are cultural factors involved, and change takes time,” Khan explained.
“But refusing to play with us because of that will only hurt the men’s game too.”
Afghanistan’s Merit and Call for Respect
Khan passionately asserted that Afghanistan’s ascent in world cricket is a testament to pure merit, not charity.
He argued that the nation deserves respect and integration, not isolation, from the global cricketing community.
Why Afghanistan Deserves Its Place
Afghanistan’s remarkable progress in cricket is evident through several key achievements:
- Earned ICC full-member status through consistent performance and credibility.
- Possesses one of the best spin attacks globally, featuring world-class players.
- Boasts an impressive winning percentage in international cricket across formats.
Khan stated, “If, despite all this, some countries are politicising our cricket, it’s like bringing a great team down.”
Gratitude Towards India and BCCI
Amidst these challenges, Asadullah Khan extended heartfelt gratitude to India and the BCCI for their unwavering support for Afghan cricket.
India has been instrumental in hosting Afghanistan’s home matches and providing invaluable IPL exposure to its players.
“We are thankful to all teams that continue to play with us, especially India,” Khan emphasized.
“The BCCI has played a major role by providing us grounds and IPL exposure.”
Eyeing the T20 World Cup Title
Despite the off-field controversies, Khan radiated confidence regarding Afghanistan’s upcoming T20 World Cup campaign.
He believes the team is a strong contender for the title, showcasing their on-field determination.
“Our unit is strong — the openers are settled, and our spin and pace attacks can beat any team,” Khan affirmed.
“We genuinely believe we can win the World Cup.”
Conclusion
Asadullah Khan’s strong words highlight the complex intersection of sports and politics in international cricket.
While Afghanistan faces internal issues, its cricket board vehemently argues against isolation, emphasizing the team’s earned stature and the importance of fair competition.
Their gratitude to nations like India also underscores the value of continued support in fostering global cricketing ties, ensuring the game’s spirit prevails.