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New Zealand To Face Afghanistan In Test As Australia Steps Back On Human Rights Grounds

NZ to play a series against Afghanistan at UAE in September (x.com)NZ to play a series against Afghanistan at UAE in September (x.com)

New Zealand will play a series against Afghanistan in September later this year. This comes after Australia cancelled their T20I series with Afghanistan, originally scheduled for August, citing concerns about the human rights situation, particularly for women and children, in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.

In September, New Zealand will play a one-off away Test against Afghanistan.

New Zealand Cricket's public affairs manager, Richard Boock, confirmed that the cricket board had internally discussed the matter and had made the decision to proceed with playing against Afghanistan.

"The consensus view was that a boycott in isolation would change nothing in Afghanistan, and that it would be more constructive to keep dialogue and participation channels open, while continuing to advocate strongly for change. NZC strongly believes that cricket is a game for everyone and would like to see far greater support for the women's game in Afghanistan in the short to medium term," Boock said in a statement.

The venue of the Test match haven't been confirmed yet. However there are rumours that UAE would host this Test match.


Rashid Khan's stance on the issue

Recently, Rashid Khan issued a threat to the Australian cricket board, expressing his intention to quit the Big Bash League (BBL) if Australia backed out from the series against Afghanistan. 

Rashid Khan, was hopeful about the series, believed it would massively improve Afghanistan's competitiveness on the international stage when playing top cricket sides.

 Rashid made it clear that if Australia decided against playing Afghanistan, he, prioritizing his nation, would not participate in the BBL.

This is the third time Australia cancelled off a series against Afghanistan.