Australia have pulled out of a scheduled three-match T20 series against Afghanistan in August due to the continued oppression of women in the country.
The games were due to be staged in the United Arab Emirates but Cricket Australia, in consultation with the government, have outlined that conditions for women in Afghanistan have got significantly worse after the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
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It’s the third series Australia have cancelled against Afghanistan after calling off a one-off Test in September 2021 and an ODI series in March last year.
A Cricket Australia statement read: “Following consultation with the Australian Government, CA previously postponed the ODI series against Afghanistan scheduled for March 2023 after a marked deterioration in human rights for women and girls in Afghanistan.
“Over the past twelve months CA has continued to consult with the Australian Government on the situation in Afghanistan. The government’s advice is that conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan are getting worse. For this reason, we have maintained our previous position and will postpone the bilateral series against Afghanistan.
“CA continues its strong commitment to supporting participation by women and girls in cricket around the world and will continue to actively engage the International Cricket Council and work closely with the Afghanistan Cricket Board to determine what actions could be taken to support the resumption of bilateral matches in the future.”
An update to our Aussie men’s team schedule ⬇️
CA will continue its commitment to the participation of women and girls cricket around the world and will work closely with the ICC and the Afghanistan Cricket Board to resume bilateral matches in the future. pic.twitter.com/OIO5PLjle5
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) March 19, 2024
