Former Australian captain Steve Smith refused to comment on Afghanistan’s fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq’s Instagram story as the two sides prepare to take on one another in the 39th match of the ICC World Cup 2023 at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India, on Tuesday (November 7).
Earlier this year, Cricket Australia (CA) refused to play a three-match ODI series with Afghanistan because the Taliban, who claimed power in the country in 2021, had placed fresh limits on education and work opportunities for Afghan women and girls, including female cricketers.
Naveen posted a story on his Instagram account mocking the Aussies while relating to the incident earlier this year and asked of Australia’s stance.
“Refusing to play the bilateral series, now it will be interesting to see cricket Australia stand in the World Cup #standards #human rights or 2 points,” Naveen wrote on Instagram.
Although Smith refused to comment on this he reminded everyone that the Aussies played with the Afghanis in T20 World 2022.
“We obviously played against Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup at home recently and we’re playing tomorrow (Tuesday) so it’s not a question for me, it’s far above my pay grade.”
A spokesperson of CA however responded to Naveen’s Instagram story.
“CA made the decision not to proceed with the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in March following the announcement by the Taliban of further restrictions on women’s rights including education and employment opportunities and the access to parks and gymnasiums.
“There is a distinction between playing bilateral series against Afghanistan which falls under CA control as compared to playing in a World Cup tournament which is an ICC (International Cricket Council) event and subject to their regulations.”
It must be noted that Tuesday’s match is of utmost importance for both teams as a win there would secure Australia’s place in the World Cup semi-final.
Meanwhile, if Afghanistan emerged winners, they would equal the Aussies in the points table with 10 points and would be one point away from cementing their place in the knockout stage.
