Introduction
‘Australia refuses to play against Afghanistan’ the headlines have created a new storm in the cricketing world. The Cricket Australia stated that the decision was taken in the light of violation of human rights and the treatment women sports athletics get under the Taliban regime. On field we have seen the cricketing rivalry is heating up between these two nations. In the recent T20 world cup, Afghanistan defeated Australia which caused them a lot as they were thrown out of the tournament. And for Afghanistan, the memories of the 2023 ODI World cup are fresh as they were denied the semi-final spot by Australia. Thanks to the Magic inning of Glen Maxwell.Â
Deterioration of Women's Rights in Afghanistan
Since the Taliban has regained its power in Afghanistan, there is a deterioration in human rights. The women and girls were not allowed to take part in any public activity. There were 4500 women who were directly dismissed to avail the education facility in Afghanistan. Taliban has openly banned women going to University, Gym or taking part in any sports activity.Â
The CA took objection to this and refused to play against the men’s cricket team. The Australians previously cancelled a test match that was scheduled to be played in Hobart in November 2021 and a three-match ODI series that was set for March of last year.Â
Government and Cricket Australia's Stance
CA has been voicing out that Taliban should allow women to take part in sports activities. On the other hand, the Taliban is consistently refusing the demand. An improvement in the situation had been anticipated and it was hoped a three-match T20 series would be given the green light to take place in August 2023 and also expected to be played on neutral ground in the UAE.
. However, The conflict does not seem to be resolved and in future also CA will hold its position not to have any bilateral series with Afghanistan.Â
Consultation with Afghan Female Cricketers
The Afghan Women Cricketers who fled after the Taliban took over in September 2021 formed a refugee group in Australia. The CA has been very supportive to these women and consulted with them announcing the refusal. The Women Crickters also wrote a letter to the ICC to look into this matter and uphold the Afghanistan Women Cricket in future.Â
ICC's Position and Actions
The ICC has been criticized by various human right organizations as they are not taking strict action against the Afghanistan Cricket Board. They have sanctioned the ACB to participate in the various tournaments. The ICC has a different say on this as the ACB is following the rules laid down by their government.Â
Reactions from Afghan Cricketers and Officials
Many Afghan cricketers have expressed their displeasure about the decision. Rashid Khan, the captain, has publicly criticized the CA and threatened to withdraw from Big Bash League. Recent reports suggest that he will not take part in the Big Bash League as he is injured. Naveen-ul-Haq, the fast bowler, called the CA decision ‘childish’ and expressed his resentment on twitter.  History of Afghanistan Cricket Team is shaping up and trying to reach a new height. They are already considered the second best Asian Team after the T20 World Cup.Â
A New Rivalry Setting in
A few years back in the cricketing world if someone could have stated that the minnows Afghanistan will dominate the modern cricket that person would have been laughed off. Moreover if he could have added that Australia Vs Afghanistan would be the new rivalry in the cricketing world then he would have been shown the way to mental repair. But it has been happening, this rivalry seems infantile yet it is beyond the pitch and on the field, it has started showing the glimpse what one can say ‘the powerhouse matches’ In Super 8 Showdown of T20 World Cup, Australia lost to them and their challenge ended. The question is why only Australia opposing and not any other cricketing nation. India who always shows a great support to the Afghanistan cricket team played only one T20 series with them. Here is the list of the ODI records of Afghanistan playing against the full-members of ICC. The ACB has to play many bilateral series with other teams.Â
Conclusion
Australia refuses to play against Afghanistan is deeply rooted in concerns over human rights, particularly the treatment of women under the Taliban regime. While Cricket Australia and the Australian government have taken a firm stance, the ICC has opted for a more supportive approach towards the ACB. This divergence in responses highlights the complex interplay between sports, politics, and human rights on the international stage.