Ahead of their clash with Australia in the 2023 World Cup, Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq has spiced things up with an Instagram story.
The right-arm pacer took a dig at Australia after they had earlier refused to play Afghans in a bilateral series earlier this year.
In his story, Naveen wrote, “Refusing to play the bilateral series, now it will be interesting to see cricket Australia stand in the World Cup. #standards, #humanrights or 2 points”.
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Earlier this year, Australia forfeited a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan scheduled in the United Arab Emirates.
This decision was made after the Taliban announced some restrictions on women’s education and employment in the country.
Before the World Cup began, Naveen expressed disappointment over Australia’s decision.
After Australia refused to play the ODI series in March, Naveen pulled out of the Big Bash League. He was representing the Sydney Sixers.
The forfeited series offered ICC ODI Super League points, but Cricket Australia’s decision resulted in all 30 points awarded to the Asian nation.
It didn’t dent the five-time World Cup winners as they had already qualified for the competition in India.
The Aussies were also scheduled to play a Test match back in November 2021 but the match was abandoned as the Taliban took control of the nation in August that year.
Afghanistan started their World Cup campaign with a defeat against Bangladesh in their tournament opener.
Then they lost their next game to the hosts India by eight wickets.
However, since then, the Afghans have managed to win four of their five games.
These include victories against top cricket-playing nations, including England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Their most recent victory came against the Netherlands by seven wickets. In that match, Mohammad Nabi produced a fantastic bowling performance, picking three wickets.
In the second innings, both Rahmat Shah and Hasmatullah Shahidi smashed half-centuries to secure the win for their side.
Australia have also been on a comeback run after losing both their opening games at the 2023 World Cup.
They have since taken down Pakistan, New Zealand and England, making themselves one of the prime contenders for a semi-final spot.
Australia will be facing Afghanistan on November 6 in Mumbai.
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