Several prominent Afghanistan cricketers, including Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, have threatened to opt out of the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) following Cricket Australia’s decision to withdraw from their scheduled ODI series against Afghanistan in March 2023. The players have criticized the move and expressed disappointment with the Australian cricket board for what they called a “childish” decision.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who has frequently played in the BBL, also expressed his support for the players’ stance, and tweeted his disapproval of Cricket Australia’s decision. Naveen-ul-Haq, who plays for the Sydney Sixers, also announced on Twitter that he will no longer be participating in the BBL 2023. Adelaide Strikers’ Rashid Khan also criticized Cricket Australia and announced that he will no longer participate in the league.
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The Afghanistan Cricket Board also slammed Cricket Australia for their decision, calling their statement “pathetic” and stating that they will reconsider sending Afghan players to the BBL in the future.
“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 and will officially write to the International Cricket Council about the issue,” the ACB said in a statement.
“The decision to withdraw from playing the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan is unfair and unexpected and will have a negative impact on the development and growth of cricket in Afghanistan as well as will affect the love and passion of the Afghan nation for the game,” the ACB added.
“The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is closely monitoring the situation and is considering taking action, including officially writing to ICC and rethinking the participation of Afghan players in the Big Bash League (BBL), if the decision to withdraw from Afghanistan’s home series is not overturned.”