ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Australia Sparks New Dispute with ICC Amid Crisis

Cricket Australia (CA) has become embroiled in a new conflict with the International Cricket Council (ICC), amidst the ongoing controversies surrounding the 2025 Champions Trophy. The tournament is facing significant challenges, especially due to tensions between India and Pakistan.

Now, Cricket Australia Chairman Mike Baird has openly responded to former ICC Chairman Greg Barclay’s comments, particularly regarding Australia’s stance on bilateral cricket series against Afghanistan.

Greg Barclay’s Remarks on Cricket Australia’s Position

Greg Barclay, whose tenure as ICC Chairman recently ended, has been succeeded by Jay Shah. In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Barclay criticized the Cricket Australia board for hypocrisy, suggesting that if Australia truly intended to make a political statement, it should have refused to play against Afghanistan in the World Cup.

“If you really want to make a political statement, then don’t play in the World Cup. Yes, it might cost you a semi-final spot, but principles are principles. You can’t have half-baked principles,” Barclay remarked.

Mike Baird’s Response to Greg Barclay’s Comments

Cricket Australia Chairman Mike Baird responded to Barclay’s remarks, emphasizing that they were personal opinions and expressing pride in CA’s actions regarding the sensitive issue. Baird reiterated CA’s unwavering support for Afghanistan’s women’s cricket team.

“I heard these comments this morning, and I’ve never encountered such opinions before. Clearly, he is entitled to his views. He is moving on to new roles, and we wish him well. But we are proud of the steps we have taken,” Baird said.

“We continue to support the Afghan women’s cricket team and those members still here, and we will keep doing so until the end of summer,” he added.

Baird also acknowledged differing perspectives on the issue but maintained that the board stood firmly by its position.

“People may have different views, but we are satisfied with where we stand. You can draw boundaries in various ways, but we have drawn ours and are proud to hold our ground where we believe it is right,” Baird stated.

“The event at the end of January will be a celebration of women and what we are witnessing in women’s cricket in this country. We are proud of it,” he concluded.

Deteriorating State of Women’s Cricket in Afghanistan

Since the Taliban’s rise to power, Afghan women have suffered significantly. Girls have been barred from education, and schools are off-limits to them.

The Afghan women’s cricket team has also been deeply affected by the country’s political turmoil. Afghanistan remains the only ICC Full Member country without a fully established women’s cricket team.

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