Archive · 10 Nov 2025
Afghanistan Selector Criticizes Australia for Politicizing Cricket
Afghanistan's cricket selector, Asadullah Khan, is unhappy with Cricket Australia.
He thinks it's wrong for countries to stop playing cricket with Afghanistan because of politics, especially when it comes to women's rights.
Khan said Afghanistan became a top cricket team because they are good at the sport, not because they were given special treatment.
He admitted that women's cricket in Afghanistan has problems and change takes time.
However, he believes that refusing to play matches against the men's team won't help fix these issues and will only hurt Afghan cricket.
Khan is thankful for the support from India's cricket board, which offers grounds and chances for Afghan players in the Indian Premier League.
He is hopeful that Afghanistan can win the T20 World Cup because their bowling teams are very strong.
Afghanistan's chief selector, Asadullah Khan, criticized Cricket Australia for politicizing the game by linking it with human rights issues.
Khan stated that Afghanistan achieved its international cricket status and success through merit and performance, not charity.
Cricket Australia had previously postponed a T20I series against Afghanistan citing the Taliban's restrictions on women's rights.
Khan acknowledged challenges facing women's cricket in Afghanistan but argued that isolating the country is not the solution.
He expressed gratitude towards the BCCI for its support, including providing grounds and IPL opportunities for Afghan players.
- Who
- Asadullah Khan, Afghanistan's chief selector and former cricketer.
- What
- Criticized Cricket Australia for linking cricket with politics and human rights issues, which led to Cricket Australia postponing a T20I series against Afghanistan.
- When
- The article was published recently, referencing Cricket Australia's postponement of a series last year.
- Where
- Afghanistan (cricket team) and Australia (cricket board) in the context of international cricket relations.
- Why
- Khan believes that politicizing cricket is against the spirit of the game and that Afghanistan's cricket status was earned through merit. He argues that isolating the country over human rights issues is not a constructive solution and harms both men's and women's cricket.
Afghanistan's Stance
Cricket Australia's Stance
Linking Cricket and Politics
Afghanistan's Stance
Afghanistan's chief selector, Asadullah Khan, believes that linking cricket with politics, particularly concerning human rights and women's rights, goes against the 'gentleman's spirit' of the game. He argues that isolating Afghanistan is not the solution and hurts men's cricket.
Cricket Australia's Stance
Cricket Australia postponed a T20I series against Afghanistan last year, citing the Taliban's continued restrictions on women's rights.
Basis of Afghanistan's Cricket Success
Afghanistan's Stance
Khan asserts that Afghanistan achieved its ICC full-member status and its success in cricket through merit, performance, and credibility, not charity or special treatment.
Cricket Australia's Stance
Cricket Australia's decision to withdraw from the series implies a stance against engaging in bilateral series under the current political climate and restrictions in Afghanistan regarding women.
Challenges and Solutions
Afghanistan's Stance
Khan acknowledges challenges in women's cricket and cultural factors but argues that such issues take time to change and that international partners should not isolate the country.
Cricket Australia's Stance
Cricket Australia's actions suggest a view that taking a stand on human rights issues is a necessary response, even if it disrupts sporting ties.
- Key Figure
- Asadullah Khan, Afghanistan's chief selector and former cricketer.
- Criticism Directed At
- Cricket Australia
- Reason for Criticism
- Politicization of cricket, linking it with human rights and women's rights issues.
- Cricket Australia's Action
- Pulled out of a scheduled T20I series against Afghanistan last year due to concerns over women's rights.
- Afghanistan's Cricket Strengths
- Strong spin attack, impressive winning percentage, earned ICC full-member status through performance.
- Support from Other Boards
- Gratitude expressed towards the BCCI for providing grounds and IPL opportunities for Afghan players.
- Afghanistan's Prospects
- Confident about winning the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Sources
'Stop Linking Cricket With Politics': Afghanistan Chief Selector Slams Australia
Australia linking cricket with politics against spirit of game: Afghan chief selector Asadullah
Ex-Afghan player slams Cricket Australia, hails BCCI
Asadullah Khan hits out at Australia for politicising cricket, backs Afghanistan's rise
