ustralia have pulled out of a three-match ODI sequence towards Afghanistan over the Taliban’s restrictions on training for women within the nation.
Australia have been attributable to meet Afghanistan within the United Arab Emirates in March, following their tour of India.
Nevertheless, following talks with the Australian authorities, Cricket Australia introduced this morning that they may play no half within the sequence, citing “the recent announcement by the Taliban of further restrictions on women’s and girls’ education”. Final month, the Taliban imposed an indefinite ban on college training for ladies.
CA additionally referenced an absence of employment alternatives for ladies and restrictions on their entry to sports activities amenities akin to parks and gymnasiums.
It’s the second time Australia have pulled out of a bilateral fixture with Afghanistan, having additionally cancelled a one-off Check in late 2021, quickly after the Taliban re-took energy following the US withdrawal.
“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,” a press release mentioned.
In the meantime, ICC CEO Geoff Allardice mentioned the scenario was a “concern” that will be mentioned on the physique’s subsequent board assembly in March.
Afghanistan is the one full member nation to not have a functioning ladies’s group, regardless of that being a requirement of the standing underneath ICC guidelines. Afghanistan’s males’s group has to this point been allowed to proceed competing in ICC occasions, together with final yr’s T20 World Cup in Australia.
“Obviously, the recent developments in Afghanistan are concerning,” Allardice mentioned. “Our board has been monitoring progress since the change of regime. It is a concern that progress is not being made in Afghanistan and it’s something our board will consider at its next meeting in March. As far as we are aware, there isn’t activity at the moment.”
