Khawaja speaks in favour of AFG in debate against CA (x.com)

Australian player Usman Khawaja, who has Pakistani heritage, made a strong statement regarding the cancelled Afghanistan-Australia series. Khawaja advocates for Australia to play the series against Afghanistan despite ongoing issues between the two cricket boards.

Australia has repeatedly pulled out of bilateral series against Afghanistan, citing ‘violation of human rights‘ in Afghanistan. However, Australia continue to face Afghanistan in ICC events, prompting Khawaja to question the distinction between playing in ICC events and bilateral series.

Cricket Australia (CA) has canceled multiple times, series against Afghanistan, that includes a one-off Test and three T20Is. Rashid Khan, disappointed with Cricket Australia’s decision, has even threatened to withdraw from the BBL if the CA stance remains unchanged.

Watch: Usman Khwaja’s statement on AUS vs AFG

Usman Khwaja openly spoke about his stand in the issue.

“I personally think yes we should be playing Afghanistan. I am sympathetic to both sides of the puzzle. I totally respect and agree with a lot of aspects of the stance Cricket Australia has in terms of women’s cricket in Afghanistan, but there’s also another side to it, of promoting and growing the game. It’s a little bit hypocritical too if we say no we’re not going to play Afghanistan, but then allowing Afghanistan cricketers to play in the BBL”- Khawaja said.

Afghanistan qualified for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup after defeating both Australia and Bangladesh in Super 8 round. 

Australia, on the other hand, were dramatically knocked out following a loss to India and Afghanistan’s victory over Bangladesh.

Afghanistan will face South Africa in the semi finals of T20 World Cup.