Afghanistan’s chief selector, Asadullah Khan, has openly criticised Cricket Australia for politicising international cricket following the Taliban’s ban on women’s sport. Khan, a former national team player, believes that conflating politics with cricket does more harm than good.
Since the Taliban regained power in September 2021, the suspension of women’s cricket in Afghanistan has led Australia and a few other cricketing nations to decline bilateral series. Khan contends, however, that boycotting Afghanistan punishes the men’s team for circumstances they cannot control.
“Our women’s team has not been active recently, which is understandable given the political environment,” Khan remarked. “But linking cricket with political decisions is a threat to a sport that is traditionally celebrated as fair and gentlemanly.”
Khan highlighted Afghanistan’s achievements in international cricket, stressing that the men’s team has earned its position through performance, not politics. “Our spin bowling unit ranks among the best globally, and our winning record demonstrates our talent. Denying us international fixtures for political reasons is unfair and counterproductive,” he added.
Acknowledging the broader societal challenges, Khan said transformation within Afghanistan would require patience. However, he emphasised that isolating the men’s team exacerbates the problem rather than resolving it. “Not allowing us to compete internationally hinders both player development and cricket’s growth within the country,” he said.
The plight of Afghanistan’s women cricketers remains a poignant symbol of resistance and resilience. Many have fled the country and recently attended the opening match of the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup between India and Sri Lanka, reinforcing their determination to continue pursuing the sport abroad.
Khan extended gratitude to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for its support, noting that India has been instrumental in providing opportunities through the IPL. “Eight Afghan players now participate in the IPL, gaining exposure and experience at the highest level,” he explained.
Khan concluded by urging international cricket boards to focus on unity rather than politics. “Players should be judged on skill and merit, not on political circumstances beyond their control. Cricket has the power to inspire and bring people together — let’s not compromise that,” he said.