ADELAIDE: Cricket Australia (CA) on Thursday defended its decision to boycott only some games against Afghanistan after the departing boss of the world governing body accused them of hypocrisy.

Australia have in recent years refused to play bilateral series against Afghanistan, citing discomfort at an ongoing Taliban crackdown on women’s sport.

But they continue to face Afghanistan in major tournaments such as the World Cup, including a famous loss in the T20 tournament earlier this year.

International Cricket Council chairman Greg Barclay said if Australia wanted to take a stand they should walk away from World Cup games as well.

“If you want to make a political statement, don’t play them in a World Cup,” he told the UK’s Daily Telegraph newspaper. “Sure, it might cost you a semi-final place, but principles are principles. It’s not about having half a principle.”

CA chairman Mike Baird said he was “very proud of the position we’ve taken”.

“We’ve taken a position, and we’re proudly standing up where we think we should,” he said. “There’s all types of lines you can draw. We’ve drawn a line. We’ve taken a position and we’re proudly standing up where we think we should.”

Published in Dawn, December 6th, 2024