(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Afghanistan Cricket Board Accuses Australia of Politicizing the Game
November 10, 2025
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has strongly criticized Cricket Australia (CA), accusing it of bringing politics into the sport after Australia once again refused to play a bilateral series against Afghanistan.
While most cricket discussions have focused on tensions between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and BCCI, a new dispute is emerging — this time between Afghanistan and Australia.
Asadullah Khan Slams Australia’s Stance
Former Afghan cricketer and current chief selector Asadullah Khan expressed disappointment over Australia’s continued boycott of matches against Afghanistan. He said that cricket should remain above politics, and accused Australia of damaging the true spirit of the game.
“Cricket Australia’s decision goes beyond the boundaries of sport,” Asadullah said in an interview with Indian media. “Their refusal to play under the pretext of women’s rights is political interference that harms cricket’s integrity.”
Asadullah argued that Afghanistan’s progress in international cricket has been based purely on merit, not politics, and that players should not suffer for decisions beyond their control.
Background of the Dispute
Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, Australia has avoided playing any bilateral series with Afghanistan. The first major fallout came when Cricket Australia canceled the Hobart Test scheduled for November 2021. Later, in March 2023, they also withdrew from a three-match ODI series in the UAE, citing restrictions on women’s sports participation under the Taliban regime.
Cricket Australia maintains that it cannot resume cricketing relations until “meaningful progress” is made regarding gender equality and women’s participation in sports.
ACB’s Response and Global Debate
The ACB argues that such actions unfairly isolate Afghan cricketers, who have no control over political decisions. Asadullah warned that this approach could create deeper divisions within international cricket.
He also stated that while Australia claims to stand for equality, its stance “punishes innocent players and fans who love the game.”
Ironically, the Afghan board itself recently withdrew from a tri-nation series in Pakistan, a move some analysts have described as politically influenced — highlighting how difficult it is to keep politics completely out of sports.
Cricket and Politics: A Growing Concern
This latest controversy reignites a long-standing question in world cricket:
Can the game truly remain above politics?
As the global cricket community navigates these complex issues, both fans and players hope that diplomacy, dialogue, and respect for the sport will prevail — ensuring cricket remains a symbol of unity rather than division.
