Tim Paine sceptical about Afghanistan’s participation in T20 World Cup

Cricket Australia recently made it clear that they might be forced to cancel the Test against Afghanistan next month if women are denied playing the game under Taliban rule. However now, the Australian Test captain Tim Paine has also opened up on the same and also questioned Afghanistan’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Afghanistan announced its squad for the T20 World Cup and appointed Rashid Khan as the captain of the side. Soon after the announcement, Rashid Khan stepped down as the captain stating that his opinion was not sought before taking the call. This in a way indicated the confusion and disorder the cricket board of the nation finds itself in.

Paine feels the other teams might be unwilling to play against Afghanistan at the mega event of the T20 World Cup.  Further, Tim Paine also expressed his surprise on ICC not making any kind of statement on the entire scenario yet.

“I don’t think we want to be associated with countries that are taking opportunities or things off literally half their population. It’s sad. We’ve heard nothing from the ICC, which is fascinating given there is a T20 World Cup in just over a month’s time. I’d imagine it’s impossible [for Afghanistan to take part] if teams are pulling out of playing against them and governments are not letting them travel to our shores,” Tim Paine said on his SEN radio show.

Tim Paine sceptical of Afghanistan’s participation at the T20 World Cup

Afghanistan is placed in Group 2 for the T20 World Cup. The team is joining the likes of India, Pakistan, New Zealand and runner up of Group A Qualifiers and winner of Group B qualifiers in Group 2. However, Tim Paine is sceptical of Afghanistan’s participation in the high-profile event.

“How a team like that can be allowed to play in an ICC-sanctioned event is going to be very, very hard to see,” Paine added.

The one-off Test match between Australia and Afghanistan was scheduled to be played in Hobart from November 27. As for now, the Test match is in doubt after Cricket Australia said that it would have no alternative but to call off the Test if the women are not allowed to play cricket in Afghanistan.

“If recent media reports that women’s cricket will not be supported in Afghanistan are substantiated, Cricket Australia would have no alternative but to not host Afghanistan for the proposed Test Match due to be played in Hobart.” CA’s statement read.