Cricket Australia (CA) has announced that they have suspended the men’s T20 series against Afghanistan, scheduled for August this year, citing a deterioration in the human rights situation for women and girls in Afghanistan. The three-match series was supposed to be hosted by Afghanistan, with matches expected to be played in the UAE.
Cricket Australia Takes Firm Stand on Afghanistan, Cancels Scheduled Matches
This decision by Cricket Australia signifies their firm stance regarding the situation in Afghanistan. Earlier in November 2021, Australia had canceled the lone Test match against Afghanistan scheduled in Hobart. Furthermore, they had also postponed a three-match ODI series scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates.
In their statement, Cricket Australia mentioned, “Over the past 12 months, Cricket Australia has been consulting with the Australian government regarding the situation in Afghanistan. The government has advised that the situation for women in Afghanistan is deteriorating.” They added, “As a result, we have maintained our previous position and will suspend the bilateral series against Afghanistan.”
Cricket Australia’s Decision Spotlights Afghan Women’s Cricket Ban Concerns
Afghanistan is the only full member of the ICC that did not send its team to the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup held in South Africa because the country has banned women from playing cricket.This decision by Cricket Australia highlights the growing concerns regarding the rights and safety of women and girls in Afghanistan, and underscores the role of sports bodies in addressing such issues.