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Cricket Australia’s Chief Executive Nick Hockley made a significant statement regarding bilateral series with the Afghanistan National Cricket Team. He emphasized that any future matches against the Rashid Khan-led side would depend on measurable progress.
The relationship between Cricket Australia and the Afghanistan Cricket Board has been strained in recent years, primarily due to Australia’s stance against scheduling bilateral series with Afghanistan. This decision stems from concerns that the Afghan nation does not support women’s rights.
Australia has rejected three proposals for bilateral series with Afghanistan, sparking controversy between the two cricketing bodies. Despite this, both teams have continued to face each other in ICC events exclusively.
In the recent T20 World Cup 2024, Afghanistan defeated Australia, marking their first-ever victory against them in international cricket. Following the match, Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja expressed disappointment over not hosting Afghanistan and congratulated Rashid Khan for his team’s achievement.
Regarding future engagements, Nick Hockley praised Afghanistan’s performance in reaching the T20 World Cup semi-finals, commending their passion and commitment. Addressing the bilateral series issue, Hockley mentioned consultations with stakeholders, including the Australian government, reaffirming their stance based on human rights considerations.
“They [Afghanistan] had a fantastic tournament with phenomenal players, and they played with great passion and spirit. Regarding our bilateral matches, we have consulted extensively with stakeholders, including the Australian government, and chose to postpone our last couple of series with the Afghanistan Cricket Board on human-rights grounds.”
We hope for a level of progress, and continue to discuss and maintain contact with the Afghanistan Cricket Board, aiming to resume bilateral cricket – Nick Hockley on playing against Afghanistan
Nick Hockley elaborated on Cricket Australia’s relationship with the Afghanistan Cricket Board, expressing optimism about potential progress that could lead to the resumption of bilateral cricket matches. He stated:
“We maintain a close relationship and regular dialogue with the Afghanistan Cricket Board, and want to see cricket thrive worldwide for both men and women. We hope for a level of progress, and continue to discuss and maintain contact with the Afghanistan Cricket Board, aiming to resume bilateral cricket against Afghanistan at some point in the future,” he concluded.
