Usman Khawaja advocates for bilateral cricket matches between Australia and Afghanistan - Cricket Winner

After Afghanistan stunned Australia with a 21-run victory in the Super 8 of the T20 World Cup, their captain Rashid Khan shared his thoughts. He wished for a solution to the ongoing issues between the two countries.

Australian opener Usman Khawaja believes Australia should play a bilateral series against Afghanistan. In March cricket Australia postponed their tour to Afghanistan citing worsening human rights conditions in the country.

According to the ICC’s Future Tours Program, Afghanistan and Australia were supposed to play a three-match T20 series in August this year. However, Cricket Australia canceled the series for the third time since the Taliban took control in September 2021.

After Afghanistan’s victory, Rashid Khan expressed his disappointment and hoped for a resolution. Khawaja respecting Cricket Australia’s stance still feels Australia should engage with Afghanistan.

Usman Khawaja calls for resuming Australia-Afghanistan cricket ties

“I think we should play Afghanistan. I understand and respect Cricket Australia’s concerns about women’s cricket in Afghanistan, but it’s also important to promote and grow the game” Khawaja told Nine Newspapers at an Amazon Prime event in Melbourne, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

“This is the second time Australia has backed out of a series. I talked to Rashid Khan, and he was really disappointed. Cricket brings joy to the Afghan people, and playing against Australia would have been huge for them. This decision hurts the people, who are separate from their government” he added.

Khawaja mentioned Afghanistan players in the Big Bash League, where Rashid Khan has become a star for the Adelaide Strikers. Last year, Rashid threatened to leave the league due to Cricket Australia’s stance but stayed until a back injury forced him out.

“It’s hypocritical to refuse to play Afghanistan but allow their cricketers in the BBL. They should play, but how do you justify one and not the other?” Khawaja stated.

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