Cricket Australia suspended a bilateral series against Afghanistan in 2023 and 2024, citing “deteriorating human rights” for women and children.
Usman Khawaja, an Australian Test stalwart, voiced his disappointment that Afghanistan would not be able to play in Australia while congratulating Afghanistan on their historic 2024 T20 World Cup victory over his own country. Cricket Australia canceled a bilateral series against Afghanistan earlier this year due to the country’s “marked deterioration” in the treatment of women and children since the Taliban administration took power. While the Afghanistan players are perplexed by the decision, Khawaja claimed that the Afghanistan side was an inspiration.
In response to Rashid Khan’s tweet hailing Afghanistan’s 21-run victory over Australia, Khawaja wrote:
“Well done, brother. On that particular day, the team performed better. You boys are an inspiration to many people at home and abroad. We’re very disappointed that we won’t be able to watch you guys perform in Australia.”
Cricket Australia cancelled a bilateral series against Afghanistan in 2023 and 2024. The judgments followed limitations enforced by the reigning Taliban, which barred women and girls from accessing higher education and public property such as parks and gymnasiums.
Afghanistan scored 148 in 20 overs, needing a win to stay alive in the 2024 T20 World Cup competition. The Australian openers, Travis Head and David Warner, did not perform well.
It appeared that Glenn Maxwell would take the game away from Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup matchup. However, he was bowled in the 15th over, leaving Australia at 106-6.
Gulbadin Naib was an unlikely hero with the ball, taking four wickets: Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, and Pat Cummins.
Afghanistan bowled Australia out for 127 to win their first T20 World Cup match.
If Afghanistan defeats Bangladesh in their final Super 8 match, and Australia loses to India, Afghanistan will advance to the 2024 T20 World Cup semis.
