Australia pulls out of Afghanistan series after Taliban announcements

Cricket Australia (CA) says Taliban announcements of further restrictions on women and girls mean they are withdrawing their men’s team from upcoming ODI matches against Afghanistan.

Photo: Photosport

Australia and Afghanistan were set to play a three-match ICC Super League series in the UAE in March.

However, on Thursday, CA confirmed their decision to pull out of the games.

“Following extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the Australian Government, Cricket Australia has decided that it is unable to proceed at this time with the [series],” CA said in a statement.

“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 is committed to supporting growing the game for women and men around the world, including in Afghanistan, and will continue to engage with the Afghanistan Cricket Board in anticipation of improved conditions for women and girls in the country.”

It was not the first time Australia had withdrawn from matches against Afghanistan.

CA pulled out of a one-off test between the two teams in late 2021, several months after the Taliban gained control of the Asian nation.

The lack of a women’s team and reported opposition to women playing cricket immediately became an issue in the wake of the takeover, with the ICC setting up a working group to review the situation.

Almost 18 months on, Afghanistan remained the only full member of the ICC without a women’s side.

The country would be the only full member not represented at the inaugural women’s under-19 T20 World Cup starting this weekend.

Australia’s withdrawal from the ODI matches meant they forfeited the series and the 30 ICC ODI Super League points on offer would go to Afghanistan.

– RNZ