Star Afghan spinner Rashid Khan has threatened to withdraw from the Australian Big Bash League (BBL) after the country's pull-out from the ODI series against Afghanistan in wake of the Taliban's fresh restrictions on women.
Australia and Afghanistan were scheduled to play three ODIs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in March this year.
Rashid said in his statement, "I am really disappointed to hear that Australia have pulled out of the series to play us in March. [I] take great pride in representing my country and we have made great progress on the world stage".
He added that the decision by Cricket Australia "sets us back in that journey. If playing with 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," the bowler maintained.
Cricket Australia had said that their decision followed Taliban's recent announcement regarding further restrictions on women and girls' education and employment.
The group seized control of the Asian nation in September 2021 and immediately placed restrictions on female participation in sport, which the CA condemned.
"We are committed to supporting growing the game for women and men around the world, including in Afghanistan, and will continue to engage with the Afghanistan Cricket Board in anticipation of improved conditions for women and girls in the country," the board's statement had read.
Meanwhile, Afghan cricket fans told The Friday Times that in this critical situation, cricket is the only source of happiness for them. "Australian Cricket Board should review its decision," they said.
It is worth mentioning that Afghanistan is the only ICC full member nation without a women's team and will be the only full member without a side at the inaugural Women's U19 T20 World Cup, starting this Saturday.
According to media reports, recently, Taliban banned girls' education and women were told they could no longer work in the country's aid sector. Females have also been pushed out of many government jobs.
Sohail Ahmad Danish is a Peshawar-based journalist covering human rights and social issues for different media outlets.