Australia postpones Afghanistan T20I series due to deterioration in human rights for women and girls under Taliban regime

The Australia men’s cricket team has postponed the three-match T20 International series against Afghanistan scheduled for August due to human rights issues, Cricket Australia (CA) announced on Monday.

“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, stating we would: ‘Continue to engage with the Afghanistan Cricket Board in anticipation of improved conditions for women and girls in the country,’ CA said in its statement.

“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,” it added.

In January 2023, Australia postponed an ODI series against Afghanistan scheduled to be held in March due to similar issues. CA had then explained that the “decision followed the Taliban’s recent announcement regarding further restrictions on women and girls’ education and employment.”

Restrictions on female participation in sport arose in Afghanistan immediately after the Taliban seized control over the state in September 2021.

Cricket! The only hope for the country.
Keep politics out of it. @CricketAus @BBL @ACBofficials ♥️ 🇦🇫 ♥️ pic.twitter.com/ZPpvOBetPJ

— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) January 12, 2023

Several Afghanistan players had then expressed disinterest over Australia’s decision. “I am really disappointed to hear that Australia have pulled out of the series to play us in March. I take great pride in representing my country, and we have made great progress on the world stage.This decision from CA sets us back in that journey. If playing vs Afghanistan is so uncomfortable for Australia, then I wouldn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable with my presence in the BBL. Therefore, I will be strongly considering my future in that competition,” senior star Rashid Khan had wrote in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).

Former captain Mohammad Nabi joined Rashid and wrote: “I strongly condemned the decision of @CricketAus by pulling of the series and playing with us, through Cricket, we have shown the world if right opportunity & Platform given to Afghans we are no less then the rest of the world.”

Australia and Afghanistan last locked horns in the league stage of the 2023 ODI World Cup where the Afghans dealt a massive scare for the eventual winners. Chasing a 292-run total, Australia were 91 for seven before Glenn Maxwell’s spellbinding 201 not out pulled his team across the line.

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