Rashid Khan threatens to QUIT the BBL after Australia’s decision to cancel Afghanistan tour

One of cricket’s biggest stars has threatened to quit the Big Bash League in response to Australia’s decision to cancel their tour of Afghanistan.

Rashid Khan took to Twitter on Thursday night to blast Cricket Australia’s call to pull out of their three-match ODI series in Afghanistan in March, citing concerns over the Taliban‘s treatment of women. 

Khan said he will be ‘strongly considering my future’ in the Big Bash, having played for the Adelaide Strikers since 2017.

Rashid Khan has threatened to quit the Big Bash League following Cricket Australia’s decision

The Australians have cancelled their ODI series in Afghanistan over women’s rights

‘I am really disappointed to hear that Australia have pulled out of the series to play us in March,’ he wrote.

‘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. 

‘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.’

Accompanying the statement, Khan wrote the caption: ‘Cricket! The only hope for the country. Keep politics out of it.’ 

Khan took to Twitter to state that he is ‘strongly considering’ his future in the Big Bash

Women and girls in Afghanistan are not allowed to take part in sport, while girls have also been barred from attending middle and high school. Last month, the Taliban also ordered all women to be thrown out of universities.

Afghanistan are the only full member nation of the ICC without a women’s team.

A statement from the country’s governing body read: ‘Following extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the Australian Government, Cricket Australia has decided that it is unable to proceed at this time with the upcoming ICC Super League three-match Men’s ODI series between Australia and Afghanistan scheduled for the UAE in March 2023. 

‘This decision follows the recent announcement by the Taliban of further restrictions on women’s and girls’ education and employment opportunities and their ability to access parks and gyms.

‘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.

‘We thank the Australian Government for its support on this matter.’