ACB calls for politics-free cricket after Australia postpone T20I series

Cricket Australia announced the postponement of the T20I series vs Afghanistan on March 19.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has expressed disappointment over Cricket Australia’s (CA) decision to postpone the three-match T20I series between the two nations scheduled for August this year. The ACB stated that cricket should be neutral and politics-free.

On March 19, Tuesday, CA announced the postponement of the T20I series against Afghanistan, saying that they would “continue to engage with the  Afghanistan Cricket Board in anticipation of improved conditions for women and girls in the country.”.

Reacting to this statement, the ACB said, “The Afghanistan Cricket Board expresses disappointment over Cricket Australia’s decision to postpone yet another bilateral series against Afghanistan and reiterates its stance on neutral and politics-free cricket across the globe.”

“ACB advocates for keeping cricket distinct from political influence, considering the game’s significance in Afghanistan and its connection to the happiness and joy of the Afghan Nation,” the statement added

Furthermore, the ACB pressed on the importance of addressing the matter through collaborative efforts between the two cricket boards. The ACB also urged the Australian government not to impose its politics on cricket boards.

“ACB acknowledges the pressures faced by Cricket Australia from the Australian government and emphasizes on the importance of addressing such issues through collaborative efforts between the two cricket boards. The ACB also urges the Australian government not to impose its policies on cricket boards and instead focus on supporting the development of cricket across regions,” The Afghan board said.

In August 2021, the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan which resulted in restrictions on women’s rights to work and study. After the Taliban came into power, CA cancelled a one-off test match against Afghanistan, which was scheduled to be played in November 2021. In 2023, CA once again withdrew from a three-match ODI series that was supposed to be held in the UAE.

The statement further mentioned, “ACB urges Cricket Australia to respect and understand its position as a Full Member nation and look for alternative solutions rather than succumbing to external pressures and/or political influences.”

“The Afghanistan Cricket Board remains committed to negotiating with the International Cricket Council, Cricket Australia, and other full member countries and adhering to ICC principles to ensure cricket remains free from political influence and supported by all parties involved.”

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