Expressing its disappointment over Cricket Australia’s decision to postpone the proposed three-match T20I series between the two sides, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Wednesday reiterated its stance to ensure cricket remained “free from political influence.”

“The ACB urges the Australian government not to impose its policies on cricket boards, and instead focus on supporting the development of cricket across regions. ACB’s top management had previously engaged in negotiations with Cricket Australia, and proposed exploring alternative solutions instead of publicly announcing withdrawals,” the ACB said in a statement.

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The ACB’s strong reaction came after CA on Tuesday announced that Australia wouldn’t be taking part in the three-match T20I series at a neutral venue because of “a marked deterioration in human rights for women and girls” in Afghanistan.

This is the third such incident involving a series between the two nations after Australia had in 2021 postponed a proposed Test against Afghanistan, and then in January 2023, postponed an ODI series against Afghanistan scheduled in March due to similar issues.

The ACB statement mentioned that the now-postponed T20I series “was approved by the ICC in the presence of the CA delegation, who had agreed to the fixtures at the time”.

In the strongly worded statement, the ACB urged “Cricket Australia to respect and understand its position as a Full Member nation, and look for alternative solutions rather than succumbing to external pressures and/or political influences.”

The board reiterated its stance “on neutral and politics-free cricket across the globe”, and said it was even open to negotiations to ensure cricket remained “free from political influence”.

Earlier on Tuesday, several top international cricketers, including star spinner Rashid Khan and former captain Mohammed Nabi hit back at Cricket Australia’s decision with Rashid even threatening to pull out of Australia’s 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.This decision from CA sets us back on that journey,” Rashid said.

“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,” Khan added.

Nabi also joined Rashid in criticising the decision, saying, “I strongly condemned the decision of @CricketAus by pulling of the series and playing with us, through Cricket, we have shown the world if right opportunity & Platform given to Afghans we are no less than the rest of the world.”