Australia Defends Afghanistan Boycott Amid Criticism

Cricket Australia (CA) Chairman Mike Baird has doubled down on the board’s decision to refrain from playing bilateral matches against Afghanistan, even as outgoing ICC Chairman Greg Barclay labelled the stance as hypocritical.

Barclay, who stepped down on December 1 to be succeeded by Jay Shah, had earlier criticized Australia cricket board for picking and choosing when to engage with Afghanistan, citing global tournaments as exceptions.

In a candid interview with the UK’s Newspaper Barclay remarked, “If you truly want to make a political statement, then don’t play them at all—even in a World Cup. Sure, it might cost you a semi-final spot, but principles should be absolute, not conditional.”

Responding to Barclay’s comments, Baird defended Cricket Australia’s position, emphasizing the board’s commitment to supporting Afghan female players displaced by the Taliban’s restrictions on women’s sports.

Highlighting an upcoming initiative, Baird announced that the Afghanistan Women’s XI would play a landmark match against the Cricket Without Borders XI on January 30 at Melbourne’s Junction Oval, ahead of the Ashes Test at the MCG.

“I read those comments this morning, and it’s the first time I’ve come across those views in any forum,” Baird remarked. “Of course, he’s entitled to his opinion, and we wish him well in his next ventures, but we stand proudly by our decision. Our focus remains on supporting the Afghan women’s cricket team here in Australia, and that upcoming match will be a celebration of resilience and progress in the women’s game.”

Baird added, “Every board draws its own lines. We’ve made our decision, and we’re proud of it. The event in January will spotlight women’s cricket in this country and globally, and we’re determined to stand by our principles.”