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Alex Carey says he understands Rashid Khan's disappointment about Australia withdrawing from its men's ODI series against Afghanistan, but hopes his Adelaide Strikers teammate is not lost to the Big Bash League (BBL).
- Carey says he can appreciate Rashid's frustration with CA's decision
- But Carey supports CA withdrawing from the series
- Rashid says he is "really disappointed" with CA's stance
Cricket Australia (CA) announced on Thursday it was withdrawing from the three-match series, which was to be played in the United Arab Emirates in March.
CA consulted with key stakeholders, including the Australian government, before reaching its decision.
"This decision follows the recent announcement by the Taliban of further restrictions on women's and girls' education and employment opportunities and their ability to access parks and gyms," CA said in a statement.
Afghan leg-spinner Rashid said he was "really disappointed" by CA's decision, believing it was a setback for his country as it continues its development as a cricket-playing nation on the international stage.
He said he would be "strongly considering" his future in the BBL in the wake of CA's move.
Australian wicketkeeper Carey and Rashid have been Strikers teammates since the 2017/18 BBL season.
Carey said although he "fully supported" CA's decision, he could appreciate Rashid's frustration.
"He wants to play cricket for his country against a really strong country in Australia," Carey told ABC Sport.
"They're bigger issues than I can comment on and probably have to understand in a lot more depth.
"He sounds obviously very disappointed in that decision and no doubt over the next few days there will be more clarity around it from CA."
Carey said it would be regrettable if Rashid chose not to play again for the Strikers in the BBL.
"As a mate of Rashid Khan, we hope that he comes back and plays in the Big Bash," he said.
"We love him here, he's one of the best players I've ever played with. So the support is definitely behind him to hopefully come back soon and we get him back in the [Strikers] blue."
On the issue of Australia withdrawing from the series against Afghanistan, Australian women's international Jess Jonassen said CA "made the right call".
"I find Cricket Australia's decision has been the right one in the sense that the policies over there … [show] a blatant disregard for women's rights and freedom," she said.
Rashid played eight BBL matches for the Strikers this season before leaving as scheduled to take part in South Africa's new T20 league.
Due to his Test commitments this summer, Carey had been unavailable for the Strikers but will make a rare appearance for the Strikers in their clash with Brisbane Heat at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.