What is the best budding rivalry in cricket? It just has to be Australia and Afghanistan – an unlikely compelling match-up pitting a traditional powerhouse against a war-torn nation that became acquainted with cricket due to the trickle of Pakistan refugees in the 1990s.

And the rivalry renewed in Lahore in another high stakes contest with a semi-final spot up for grabs at the Champions Trophy.

The partisan crowd were right behind Afghanistan, who have enjoyed plenty of support with Pakistan out of the tournament in interesting dynamics given relations have soured dramatically between the neighbors since the Taliban grabbed power.

But the rabid fans were left disappointed as Lahore’s temperamental weather spoiled the party and ended what had been an engrossing match. Australia were in the box seat chasing 274 before heavy rain cascaded on the ground leaving it drenched and not fit for use.

It was a major anti-climax with the sudden death clash having had a few twists left given that recent matches between the teams had grandstand finishes.

The result meant that Australia made it through to the semi-finals, while Afghanistan’s dreams were washed away.

The action on the field was riveting, but the political spectre again hovered over the contest much like Afghanistan’s previous match against England, with their eight-run victory probably the highlight of the resurrected tournament so far.

Australia and England have taken human rights stances in regards to the Taliban’s treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan. The power countries have pledged to cut bilateral ties against Afghanistan while the Taliban is in power. But they still play each other in ICC events, leading to calls of hypocrisy from some.

While the consensus is that the Taliban is unlikely to buckle over a protest – even though cricket has ascended to being the top sport in Afghanistan with fans even allowed to show rare public support on the streets – some believe that Australia and England should boycott these matches.

Australia and England believe it is an International Cricket Council issue but the all-powerful board, where the real power lies, have previously shown no willingness to sanction Afghanistan. Developing women’s cricket is a key component of Full Membership, which is only granted to 12 cricket nations – Afghanistan being one of them – and provides access to funding, power and prestige.

But some on the board believe sanctioning Afghanistan opens a political minefield and other member countries would need to be scrutinized too. There is a widespread reluctance to essentially paralyze an Afghanistan men’s team that has become a cult favorite worldwide – and an emerging force – while being a symbol of pride for their beleaguered compatriots.

Despite pressure mounting, stripping Full Membership has never been contemplated, as I reported last year. There had been a push led by Australia to set aside a percentage of Afghanistan revenue to fund women’s cricket.

But it failed to materialize due to the high cost of the Afghanistan men’s team. They do not play cricket at home due to security issues and have been mostly based in the UAE and India.

ForbesPush To Fund Afghanistan Women’s Cricket Fails To MaterializeBy Tristan Lavalette

Australia did strengthen its support of the cause in January after hosting an Afghanistan Women’s XI in Melbourne that once again brought the issue into the spotlight.

Politicians in England and South Africa have also called for action, but there is seemingly no answer for cricket’s thorniest issue. A working group that was set to be disbanded has remained intact, but it is learned the issue is unlikely to be debated at the ICC’s next round of meetings in April.

It does mean that the emerging rivalry between Australia and Afghanistan will continue at future ICC events.