Amid 'Human Rights' Controversy, Australia Star Usman Khawaja Hails “Inspirational” Afghanistan
The star player of the Australian cricket team, Usman Khawaja, expressed his sadness at the Afghanistan cricket team not being able to play in Australia as he congratulated Afghanistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup over his own country earlier in the year cricket Australia had cancelled a bilateral series against the Afghanistan cricket team over the country's "marked deterioration" in the treatment of women and children, following the rise of the Taliban regime. While the Afghanistan cricketers remain puzzled over the decision, Khawaja stated that the Afghanistan side was an inspiration.
Replying to a tweet by Rashid Khan celebrating Afghanistan's 21-run win over Australia, Khawaja said, "Well done, brother." Better team on the day. You boys are an inspiration for so many back home and abroad. So sad we can't see you all play in Australia."
In 2023 and 2024, Cricket Australia cancelled a planned bilateral series against Afghanistan. The decisions came after the restrictions imposed by the ruling Taliban, which did not allow women and girls to access higher education and public property like parks and gyms.