"I am really disappointed to hear that Australia have pulled out of the series to play us in March," Rashid said. "I take great pride in representing my country, and we have made great progress on the world stage. This decision from CA sets us back in that journey. If playing vs Afghanistan is so uncomfortable for Australia, then I wouldn't want to make anyone uncomfortable with my presence in the BBL. Therefore, I will be strongly considering my future in that competition."

Rashid played eight matches for Strikers this season before leaving to play for MI Cape Town in the SA20. He was not expected to return to the BBL this season because of conflicting commitments.

Rashid's statement joined a chorus of protests from Afghanistan's male cricketers and came shortly after the Afghanistan Cricket Board had called CA's statement "pathetic". The ACB said it would write to the ICC over the issue, saying the Australian board was "prioritising political interests over the principles of fair play and sportsmanship", and "undermining the integrity of the game and damaging the relationship between the two nations".

The ACB said in its response that it would now "rethink the participation of Afghan players in the Big Bash League" if CA did not overturn its decision. The ACB's statement, however, did not make a specific mention of the future of women's cricket in Afghanistan.

"Cricket Australia's decision to withdraw from upcoming matches against Afghanistan is coming after consultation and potential enforcement from the Australian Government, which is an unfortunate attempt to enter the realm of politics and politicise the sport," the ACB statement said. "The decision to withdraw from playing the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan is unfair and unexpected, and will have a negative impact on the development and growth of cricket in Afghanistan as well as will affect the love and passion of the Afghan nation for the game.

"Cricket has played a significant role in promoting unity and national pride in Afghanistan. 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. In addition, Cricket [sic] has also been an important tool for promoting education and social development in the country.

"The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has been working to promote cricket in schools and universities, and it has also been using the sport to promote healthy lifestyles and discourage young people from getting involved in drugs and crime. Cricket has been an important tool for promoting peace, unity, and development in Afghanistan, and it will continue to be a source of inspiration and hope for the people of the country in the years to come."