Australia pulls out of Afghanistan series
AUSTRALIA has withdrawn from an upcoming series against Afghanistan in response to the Taliban’s “concerning” restrictions on female cricket in the nation.
A three-match one-day series, which forms part of the ICC Super League, was scheduled for March to be played in the United Arab Emirates.
But after “extensive consultation” with relevant stakeholders, including the Australian Government, Cricket Australia decided that it wouldn’t go ahead.
“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,” a CA statement said.
“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.
“We thank the Australian Government for its support on this matter.”
Australia will forfeit 30 competition points for the series, which go towards World Cup qualification, and they will be awarded to Afghanistan. But the Aussies have already secured automatic qualification to the ODI World Cup in India in October.
Afghanistan is the only ICC full member nation without a women’s team, and won’t have a team at the inaugural Women’s U19 T20 World Cup starting on Saturday.
The issue remains of concern to the ICC and CEO Geoff Allardice said recently that Afghanistan would be discussed at the next meeting.