Australia pull out of Afghan cricket series over Taliban crackdown on women

Australia pulled out of an upcoming one-day series against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, citing Taliban moves to restrict women's rights further.

The men's team were due to face their Afghan counterparts in three games, which form part of the ICC Super League, in March following a tour to India.

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But Cricket Australia said that it would no longer take place following consultations with stakeholders, including the Australian government.

"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," it said in a statement. 

"CA is committed to supporting growing the game for women and men worldwide, including in Afghanistan.

"(We) will continue to engage with the Afghanistan Cricket Board in anticipation of improved conditions for women and girls in the country," it added while thanking Canberra for its support.

Australia will forfeit 30 competition points for the series, which go towards World Cup qualification. But they have already secured automatic qualification to the 50-over tournament in India in October.

The Taliban regained control of the Asian nation in mid-2021 and immediately restricted female participation in sports.

The hardline Islamists have also barred teenage girls from secondary schools and banned women from attending universities last month, prompting global outrage.

More recently, women were told they could no longer work in Afghanistan's aid sector.

Females have also been pushed out of many government jobs, prevented from traveling without a male relative, and ordered to cover up outside the home, ideally with a burqa.

Cricket Australia 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. pic.twitter.com/cgQ2p21X2Q

— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) January 12, 2023