'Don't succumb to external pressures and political influences' - Afghanistan Cricket Board to Cricket Australia

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) expressed disappointment over CA's announcement to withdraw from the three-match T20I series, citing concerns over human rights issues in Afghanistan.

In a stern statement, the ACB expressed "disappointment" over CA's decision to pull out of the bilateral series at a neutral venue, marking the third time Australia has cancelled fixtures against Afghanistan over human rights concerns since the Taliban takeover.

The latest development came on Tuesday when CA announced it would not participate in the T20I series due to, "A marked deterioration in human rights for women and girls" in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. This follows Australia's previously postponing a Test match in 2021 and an ODI series in 2023 for the same reasons.

Also read: CA postpones home series against Afghanistan citing human rights concerns

'Cricket Australia to respect and understand its position as a Full Member nation' - ACB

The ACB statement emphasised that the now-postponed T20I series, "Was approved by the ICC in the presence of the CA delegation, who had agreed to the fixtures at the time. 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."

"On neutral and politics-free cricket across the globe, it was even open to negotiations to ensure cricket remained free from political influence," the statement added.

This latest cancellation is a major blow to Afghan cricket which has made great strides on the international stage in recent years despite the turmoil in the nation. It highlights the ongoing tensions between ensuring human rights and the desire to keep sport separate from politics.

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The ACB argues cricket boards should not be imposing government policies on one another. "The ACB urges the Australian government not to impose its policies on cricket boards, and instead focus on supporting the development of cricket across regions", the statement concluded.