Rashid Khan mulls Big Bash League future

Afghanistan’s cricket icon Rashid Khan is considering his future in the Big Bash League (BBL) after Australia’s men’s team withdrew from their ODI series against Afghanistan, citing the Taliban’s restrictions on the rights of women and girls.

Australia and Afghanistan were scheduled to play three ODIs in the United Arab Emirates this year but CA scrapped the series after consultation with stakeholders, including the Australian government.

“I am really disappointed to hear that Australia have pulled out of the series to play us in March,” Rashid, who plays for the Adelaide Strikers, said in a statement on Twitter.

“I take great pride in representing my country, and we have made great progress on the world stage. This decision from CA sets us back in that journey.”

Rashid played eight times for the Strikers this season, but left the BBL this month to compete in South Africa’s new Twenty20 league, in which he is captain of MI Cape Town.

“If playing vs 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,” Rashid said.

Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley defended the decision to withdraw its men’s team.

“Basic human rights is not politics,” Hockley said on Friday. “It is clearly a very challenging and sad situation. We did not take this decision lightly.”