Afghanistan Cricket
Rashid threatens to leave BBL as CA cancels ODI series against Afghanistan
|| CF DESK ||
Rashid Khan has threatened to leave the BBL, where he plays for the Adelaide Strikers, in response to Cricket Australia's decision to withdraw its men's team from a bilateral ODI series against Afghanistan in March due to the Taliban's stance prohibiting girls from attending university in the country.
Rashid was recently named the captain of the Afghanistan T20I side. Rashid had replaced Mohammad Nabi, who stepped down as captain in November after Afghanistan were eliminated from the T20 World Cup.
"I am really disappointed to hear that Australia have pulled out of the series to play us in March," Rashid said. "I take great pride in representing my country, and we have made great progress on the world stage. This decision from CA sets us back in that journey. If playing vs Afghanistan is so uncomfortable for Australia, then I wouldn't want to make anyone uncomfortable with my presence in the BBL. Therefore, I will be strongly considering my future in that competition." Rashid mentioned in his tweet on Thursday.
Afghanistan's cricket board also stated Thursday the decision by its Australian counterpart to withdraw the series was unfair and pathetic.
"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," the board said in a statement.
Earlier, Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq announced his withdrawal from the Big Bash League after Australia chose to forfeit 30 competition points by not playing the series against the war-torn nation.