Cricket Australia has cited a “marked deterioration in human rights” for women and girls in Afghanistan after cancelling a T20 series planned for August.
It’s the third time CA has pulled the pin on games against Afghanistan outside of ICC tournament play and the three matches, which would have been staged in the UAE, won’t go ahead.
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The last decision sparked outrage among Afghanistan players including Big Bash star Rashid Khan who threatened not to return to the tournament, a call he later rescinded.
But CA has maintained its stance not to play Afghanistan in bilateral cricket until there is “improved conditions for women and girls in the country” from, the ruling Taliban.
“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,” CA said.
“Over the past twelve months CA has continued to consult with the Australian Government on the situation in Afghanistan.
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“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.
“We again thank the Australian Government for its support.”
Australia most recently played Afghanistan at the ODI World Cup in Indian last November when an unforgettable Glenn Maxwell double-century powered the eventual tournament winners to a victory.
But Australia has never played Afghanistan outside of an World Cup having previously cancelled a one-off Test match which would have been played in Hobart in November 2021 and a three match ODI series in 2023.
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