Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley Discusses Bilateral Cricket with Afghanistan and Bangladesh
Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive Nick Hockley has provided an update on the country’s stance regarding bilateral cricket matches against Afghanistan, as well as the possibility of hosting the Bangladesh men’s team in the future.
Hockley reiterated that Australia will not play bilateral cricket against Afghanistan due to the Taliban government’s policies towards women’s rights. However, he stated that CA maintains “regular dialogue” with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and hopes to “resume bilateral cricket against Afghanistan at some point in the future” as progress is made.
“We maintain regular dialogue with the Afghanistan Cricket Board and hope to resume bilateral cricket against Afghanistan at some point in the future as progress is made.”
Australia has thrice withdrawn from scheduled bilateral series against Afghanistan, citing the “marked deterioration in human rights for women and girls” under the Taliban regime. Despite this, the teams have continued to face each other in ICC events, with Afghanistan securing a famous victory over Australia in the recent T20 World Cup.
Addressing the comments made by Australian player Usman Khawaja, who had called CA’s position “a little bit hypocritical,” Hockley emphasized that the decision was made after extensive consultations with stakeholders, including the Australian government.
Regarding the request from 17 exiled Afghanistan women cricketers to set up a refugee team based in Australia, Hockley stated that it is a matter for the ICC to consider. He noted that the Afghan women residing in Australia are receiving support from the cricketing community and are actively involved in club cricket.
On the prospect of hosting Bangladesh, Hockley expressed optimism, stating that the Bangladesh men’s team is part of Australia’s upcoming Future Tours Program (FTP) cycle. While a specific men’s tour is not currently scheduled, Hockley assured that CA will continue to work with the Bangladesh Cricket Board to explore opportunities.
Hockley also highlighted the recent successful women’s tour of Bangladesh, where the Australian team was warmly welcomed, as a positive step in the cricketing relationship between the two countries.
🔗 Source