Ellyse Perry: Why Australian cricket superstar is saying no to politics and her thoughts on Afghanistan women’s cricket

In notching another milestone, superstar Ellyse Perry has dissed politics as a career option, amid her concern over the future of the women’s game under the Taliban.

Ellyse Perry has ruled out the possibility of following David Warner into politics, saying she’s not cut out for the hate that comes with it.

Upset over the infighting that has plagued Australia politics during the Covid pandemic, and “sick of the bullsh*t that politicians want to throw” Aussie men’s opening batsman Warner recently said he will strongly consider a tilt at government when he retires.

However Perry, one of Australia’s most recognisable sports stars, doesn’t want a bar of it.

“I don’t think I want to put myself up to be hated by half the country at any given time,” she said.

Superstar Ellyse Perry will become one of Foxtel’s longest serving ambassadors. Brad Fleet

“But I would love to see David Warner give it a go.”

Australia’s premier female cricketer has just signed a new multi-year contract with Foxtel, to take her association with the broadcaster to 10 years, and become one of the business’ longest serving ambassadors.

Speaking ahead of Australia’s upcoming series against India, Perry did weigh into the debate about the future of cricket in Afghanistan following the takeover of the country by the Taliban.

The juggling act of politics might be for David Warner but it’s not for Ellyse Perry. Picture: Steven Chee/Stellar

It appears the hardline Islamist regime has indicated they will not allow women to continue to play cricket, throwing both the future of men and women’s cricket in the South Asian country under a cloud – given the sport’s governing body requires countries to field international teams in both sexes.

“I’m not educated on the whole situation but it’s very disappointing for the modern world where we should only be increasing rights and opportunities for women,” Perry said.

The 30-year-old has just spent two weeks in quarantine – “I’m not in a rush to do it again” – ahead of Australia’s first One Day International against India on Tuesday in Mackay.

Ellyse Perry in action for Australia earlier this year. Picture: Dave Rowland/Getty Images

“I’m not sure how I’ll be form-wise but it will be nice to be playing cricket again for the first time since April,” she said.

Perry said she has loved the chance to work “on the other side of the microphone” with Foxtel and rated working with West Indian legend Brian Lara during the last ODI World Cup as a highlight.

Perry’s appeal has transcended sport. She is pictured here as part of Loreal’s Women of Worth campaign. Picture: Supplied

Every match of the Commonwealth Bank Women’s International Series will be live and ad-break free during play on Fox Cricket, available on Foxtel and Kayo.

Australia Post celebrates Australian Legends of Cricket with Ellyse Perry.

Don’t miss 8-page Australia v India, Women’s Cricket Liftout, September 21 in News Corp papers.