Rashid Khan has threatened to quit the Big Bash League after Australia pulled out of their upcoming One Day International series with Afghanistan. Australia were set to take on Afghanistan across three ODI matches in the UAE in March.
The Aussies have decided to cancel their trip though following the latest restrictions imposed by the Taliban on women in Afghanistan. Cricket Australia said in a statement: "This decision follows the recent announcement by the Taliban of further restrictions on women's and girls' education and employment opportunities and their ability to access parks and gyms.
"CA is committed to supporting growing the game for women and men around the world, including in Afghanistan, and will continue to engage with the Afghanistan Cricket Board in anticipation of improved conditions for women and girls in the country.
"We thank the Australian government for its support on this matter." One man who has been left disappointed with the decision is Afghan star Khan. Regarded as one of best spin bowlers in world cricket, he is currently playing in Australia's T20 domestic league for the Adelaide Strikers.
But the 24-year-old has threatened to end his association Down Under in light of Australia's cancellation. He took to social media to share a statement, admitting he was 'disappointed'.
He said: "I am really disappointed to hear that Australia have pulled out of the series to play us in March. I take great pride in representing my country, and we have made great progress on the world stage. This decision from CA sets us back in that journey.
"If playing vs Afghanistan is so uncomfortable for Australia, then I wouldn't want to make anyone uncomfortable with my presence in the BBL. Therefore, I will be strongly considering my future in that competition."
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If he was to quit, Khan would not be the first Afghan international to do so after Naveen-ul-Haq pulled out of the BBL in response. Ul-Haq is currently playing for the Sydney Sixers, but called time on his season following an angered post on Twitter.
"Time to say won’t be participating in Big Bash after this until they stop these childish decisions," he revealed. "That’s how they went about the one off test now ODI when a country is going through so much in place off being supportive you want to take the only reason of happiness from them."