- Naveen-ul-Haq questions Australia’s stance.
- Steve Smith stays silent.
- Cricket Australia clarifies its position.
As the 39th match of the ICC World Cup 2023 between Australia and Afghanistan approaches, tensions have been stoked by a recent Instagram story from Afghan fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq.
Naveen’s post sought to revive a contentious issue, with Australia having refused to play a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan earlier this year due to concerns over women’s rights under the Taliban regime.
In the Instagram story, Naveen took a swipe at the Australians, referencing the earlier dispute and questioning their stance for the upcoming World Cup match. He wrote, “Refusing to play the bilateral series, now it will be interesting to see Cricket Australia’s stand in the World Cup #standards #humanrights or 2 points.”
Former Australian captain Steve Smith, who will be leading his team in the crucial match, declined to comment on Naveen’s Instagram post. However, he did remind everyone that Australia had faced Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup at home in a recent match. Smith said, “We obviously played against Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup at home recently, and we’re playing tomorrow (Tuesday), so it’s not a question for me; it’s far above my pay grade.”
Cricket Australia also responded to Naveen’s Instagram story through a spokesperson, clarifying the distinction between playing a bilateral series and participating in an ICC World Cup event. The spokesperson stated, “CA made the decision not to proceed with the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in March following the announcement by the Taliban of further restrictions on women’s rights, including education and employment opportunities and access to parks and gymnasiums. There is a distinction between playing bilateral series against Afghanistan, which falls under CA control, as compared to playing in a World Cup tournament, which is an ICC (International Cricket Council) event and subject to their regulations.”
The upcoming match holds significant importance for both teams, as a victory for Australia would secure their place in the World Cup semi-finals. Conversely, if Afghanistan emerges victorious, they would equal Australia’s points in the tournament, with 10 points, bringing them one step closer to cementing their spot in the knockout stage. The clash between the two teams promises to be a high-stakes encounter both on and off the field.
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