"I don't know what's the solution" - Rashid Khan on Cricket Australia refusing to play bilateral series against Afghanistan

Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan recently opined on Cricket Australia's stance on the bilateral series between the two nations following their win over the cricketing giants in a 2024 T20 World Cup Super-Eight game. The spinner wished the stakeholders could arrive at a solution but wasn't sure what the players could do from their side.

Cricket Australia have decided against playing a bilateral series against Afghanistan, citing the restriction of human rights for women and girls under Taliban rule as the reason. The Baggy Greens were to host Afghanistan for a one-off Test in 2021, play an ODI series in March 2023, and a three-match T20I series in August 2024 but withdrew from all three.

Speaking at a presser after Afghanistan's famous win over Australia in T20 World Cup 2024, the 25-year-old stated they were keen on playing against big teams regularly. However, the players felt helpless about the current situation.

"We sportsmen only think about the cricket. Everyone is saying sports bring the nation together and bring everyone together. So, for me, we're always happy to play against any side, and that's the only way where our cricket can improve day by day.

"Some things which are not under the control of anyone in cricket, and that's something we can't do anything about it. Wish we could do something, and wish that was a kind of solution for it, we would have been happy, but I don't know what's the solution for that," Rashid said.

Cricket Australia's decision to pull out of the T20I series this year prompted Rashid to rethink his BBL stint. The leg-spinner, in conversation with ESPNCricinfo, questioned why Australia wanted him to play in the BBL when they can't play in a bilateral series against his national side.

"Whenever I go to Australia for Big Bash, I think I have got so much love" - Rashid Khan

The Afghan cricketer added that he didn't want to get involved in the political side of things, but said that people of Australia have always treated him well. Rashid added:

"We're happy to play any side, but as I mentioned earlier, some things, government, and political things, I don't know much about these things, and I don't like it as well. So, I have no answer for this, but my only thing always in mind is I love to play against the big teams. I love to travel all around the world to play and I have received so much so much love from everyone. Whenever I go to Australia for Big Bash, I think I have got so much love and support from the fans there."

Afghanistan's final Super Eight game is against Bangladesh on Monday, June 24.