The Parisians are on 69 points with four games left with Monaco trailing by 11 points
Afghanistan cricket officials blasted Australia's decision on Thursday to cancel their men's one-day international cricket series.
Cricket Australia cited recent heavier restrictions on women's rights in Afghanistan by the Taliban government for axing the three ODIs in March in the UAE.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board said it was “extremely disappointed and saddened by the pathetic statement” from Cricket Australia and it would complain to the International Cricket Council.
It accused CA of prioritising political interests over fair play and sportsmanship, undermining the integrity of the game, and damaging the relationship between the two countries.
“Cricket has played a significant role in promoting unity and national pride in Afghanistan,” the board said. “After years of war and conflict, cricket has helped to bring people together and provide a sense of normalcy to the country. It has also been an important source of hope and inspiration for all Afghans, particularly young people.”
It said it would rethink the participation of Afghan players in the Big Bash League if the decision was not reversed.
Afghan fast bowler Naveen ul Haq Murid called scrapping the series “childish” and accused Australia of taking away Afghans’ only reason for happiness instead of being supportive.
When Kabul fell to the Taliban in 2021, women were banned from playing sports.
Recent Taliban restrictions on women’s and girls’ education, employment opportunities and their ability to access parks and gyms were cited by Cricket Australia for dropping the men's ODIs following consultation with the Australian government and other groups.
Australia gave similar reasons for axing a one-off Test match against Afghanistan in Hobart, Australia, in November 2021.
In December, the Taliban banned women from completing higher education, having prohibited attendance at gyms and parks a month earlier.
Women are also banned from attending school beyond the sixth grade and working most jobs outside of their homes.
The Parisians are on 69 points with four games left with Monaco trailing by 11 points
Reds defeat at Everton extinguishes their last hopes of winning the Premier League
The in-form Italian will move to within 330points of World No 1 Djokovic if he wins his fourth trophy of 2024 at the Madrid Open
The 22-time major champion admits his farewell tour hasn't been as enjoyable as he would have hoped
The goal-scoring striker is suffering from a muscle injury sustained during the Champions League quarter-final loss to Real Madrid
'When we have bad days, we are so bad. When we are good, we are capable of everything,' said the manager
BCCI's honorary secretary Jay Shah said the star batter 'inspired millions worldwide with his heroics with the bat and immaculate display of character'
Amidst the sport’s global growth organisers Ethara will host a special event at Louvre Abu Dhabi to announce details of the race’s 16th edition on December 6-8, 2024