Australia Cancels Afghanistan Cricket Series Over Women's Rights Issues

Cricket Australia has cancelled a scheduled three-match T20 international series against Afghanistan, which was set to take place in the United Arab Emirates in August. The decision was made in light of the ongoing oppression of women under the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan, where conditions for women and girls have significantly worsened since the Taliban's return to power in 2021. The Australian cricket governing body has expressed its continued commitment to the global participation of women and girls in cricket.

This marks the third cancellation of cricketing engagements with Afghanistan by Australia since 2021, reflecting a consistent stance by Cricket Australia on human rights issues. The move has come after consultations with the Australian government and amidst a backdrop of the Taliban imposing severe restrictions on women, including banning girls from attending high school and prohibiting women from participating in sports.

Cricket Australia plans to maintain dialogue with the Afghanistan Cricket Board and the International Cricket Council regarding future bilateral matches, aiming to find a resolution that could allow the matches to be resumed under improved conditions for human rights in Afghanistan.