Will Consider My Future In BBL: Rashid Khan After Cricket Australia Cancel ODI Series In Afghanistan

Rashid Khan, in a strongly worded statement, has said that if Australia are not comfortable in touring Afghanistan then he will also be considering his future in the BBL.

The decision was taken by the Australian Cricket Board owing to concern over women's rights in Afghanistan.

Source : AFP

Cricket Australia (CA) on Thursday (January 12) announced its decision to withdraw from the Men's ODI series against Afghanistan which was set to be played in the month of March. The decision was taken by the Australian Cricket Board owing to concern over women's rights in the country. However, the same has not gone down too well with one of Afghanistan cricket's biggest ambassador and someone who has fans all over the world for what he can do on the cricket pitch- Rashid Khan.

The right-arm leg-spinner, in a strongly worded statement has said that if Australia are not comfortable in touring Afghanistan for a cricket series then he will also be considering his future in the Big Bash League. 

"I am really disappointed to hear that Australia have pulled out of the series to play us in March. I take great pride in representing my country and we have made great progress on the world stage." Rashid said in a statement he put out on social media.

"This decision from CA sets us back in that journey. If playing vs Afghanistan is so uncomfortable for Australia then I wouldn't want to make anyone uncomfortable with my presence in the BBL."

Cricket! The only hope for the country.
Keep politics out of it. @CricketAus @BBL @ACBofficials ♥️ 🇦🇫 ♥️ pic.twitter.com/ZPpvOBetPJ

— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) January 12, 2023

"Therefore, I will be strongly considering my future in that competition," the 24-year-old wrote.

Earlier Cricket Australia had also released a statement explaining their decision to cancel the series. 

"CA is committed to supporting growing the game for women and men around the world, including in Afghanistan, and will continue to engage with the Afghanistan Cricket Board in anticipation of improved conditions for women and girls in the country," the official CA statement read.

"We thank the Australian Government for its support on this matter," the statement added.

It is pertinent to note that Rashid plies his trade for the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League.