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»Australia cancels Afghanistan cricket series due to Taliban restrictions on women«
Afghanistan cricket officials criticised Australia’s decision on Thursday to cancel their men’s one-day international cricket series.
Cricket Australia blamed new tougher limitations on women’s rights in Afghanistan by the Taliban administration for axing the three ODIs in March in the United Arab Emirates.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board said it was “extremely disappointed and saddened by the pathetic statement” from Cricket Australia and it will complain to the International Cricket Council.
It accused CA of prioritizing political interests over fair play and sportsmanship, harming the integrity of the game, and damaging the relationship between the two countries.
“Cricket has played a significant role in promoting unity and national pride in Afghanistan,” the board added. “After years of war and conflict, cricket has helped to bring people together and provide a sense of normalcy to the country. It has also been a major source of hope and inspiration for all Afghans, particularly young people.”
It added it might rethink the participation of Afghan players in the Big Bash League if the decision was not changed.
Australia withdrew its cricket series against Afghanistan citing the country’s restrictions on women’s rights.
AP
Afghan fast bowler Naveen ul Haq Murid branded cancelling the series “childish” and accused Australia of taking away Afghans’ only reason for happiness instead of being supportive.
When Kabul fell to the Taliban in 2021, women were barred from participating sports on the grounds that doing so would breach Islamic regulations requiring their hair and skin to be covered.
Recent Taliban limitations on women’s and girls’ education, career possibilities and their ability to visit parks and gyms were mentioned by Cricket Australia for removing the men’s ODIs following consultation with the Australian government and other groups.
“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,” CA stated.
Australia claimed identical grounds for axing a one-off test match against Afghanistan in Hobart, Australia, in November 2021.
The Taliban prevented women from pursuing higher education in December, a month after prohibiting their attendance at gyms and parks.
In addition, women are prohibited from entering school beyond the sixth grade and from working the majority of jobs outside the home.
Afghanistan is the only full member of the ICC without a fully operating women’s side, despite the fact that the ICC appointed a working group to support and review women’s and men’s cricket in Afghanistan in November 2021. Afghanistan is the only full member not to be represented at the Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup beginning this week in South Africa.
»Australia cancels Afghanistan cricket series due to Taliban restrictions on women«