Cricket Australia (CA) has made a strong statement by delaying a planned three-match T20I series with Afghanistan. This decision comes after consultations with the Australian government revealed a “significant decline in human rights for women and girls” in Afghanistan.
The scrapped series, originally part of the men’s Future Tours Programme (FTP), was scheduled for August at a neutral venue. However, this postponement echoes CA’s previous actions regarding the cancelled 2021 Test match and a proposed ODI series in March 2023.
Deteriorating Conditions for Afghan Women and Girls Prompt CA Action
Following the 2023 ODI series postponement, Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan threatened BBL withdrawal. He later entered the draft but missed the tournament due to injury.
CA’s Statement Clarifies Their Position
In a recent statement, CA emphasized their ongoing consultations with the Australian government regarding the human rights situation in Afghanistan. The government’s report indicated a “marked deterioration” since the last postponement.
“Over the past year, CA has continued discussions with the Australian government on the concerning situation in Afghanistan,” the statement said. “Their advice is clear: conditions for women and girls there are worsening. Consequently, we uphold our previous position and will postpone the bilateral series against Afghanistan.”
CA Committed to Supporting Women’s Cricket in Afghanistan
The statement continued, highlighting CA’s dedication to fostering women’s cricket globally. “CA remains committed to supporting the participation of women and girls in cricket worldwide. We will actively engage with the ICC and work closely with the Afghanistan Cricket Board to determine what actions can be taken to support the resumption of bilateral matches in the future.”
Australia vs Afghanistan Meetings in World Cups Not Affected
It’s important to clarify that CA’s decision applies to bilateral series under their control. Australia and Afghanistan have faced each other in two World Cup fixtures in recent years. These matches fall under ICC regulations, which are separate from bilateral series.
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