The Australia men’s cricket team has decided to postpone the three-match T20 International series against Afghanistan. It was scheduled in August but now canceled citing concerns over human rights issues in Afghanistan. Cricket Australia in consultation with the Australian Government took this decision.
This is not the first time Australia has postponed a series with Afghanistan due to human rights concerns. In January 2023, Australia also postponed an ODI series against Afghanistan scheduled for March of the same year for similar reasons. CA had explained at the time that the decision was a response to the Taliban’s announcement regarding further restrictions on women and girls’ education and employment.
According to CA’s statement, the Australian Government’s advice indicates that conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan are deteriorating. As a result, CA has maintained its previous position and decided to postpone the bilateral series against Afghanistan.
Australia and Afghanistan last faced each other during the 2023 ODI World Cup, where Afghanistan gave Australia a tough challenge. Chasing a 292-run total, Australia were struggling at 91 for seven before Glenn Maxwell’s spectacular 201 not out helped them secure victory.
Cricket Australia Statement
“Following consultation with the Australian Government, CA previously postponed the ODI series against Afghanistan scheduled for March 2023 after a marked deterioration in human rights for women and girls in Afghanistan, stating we would: ‘Continue to engage with the Afghanistan Cricket Board in anticipation of improved conditions for women and girls in the country,’ CA said in its statement.
“Over the past twelve months, CA has continued to consult with the Australian Government on the situation in Afghanistan. The government’s advice is that conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan are getting worse. For this reason, we have maintained our previous position and will postpone the bilateral series against Afghanistan,” it added.
Senior Cricketers expressed disappointment by CA’s Decision
Australia had previously cancelled the series due to this issue in January 2023. The postponement of the series had disappointed several Afghanistan players. Rashid Khan, a senior star in the Afghanistan team, expressed his disappointment, stating that he takes great pride in representing his country. He also hinted at reconsidering his future in the Big Bash League (BBL) due to Australia’s decision.
“I am really disappointed to hear that Australia have pulled out of the series to play us in March. I take great pride in representing my country, and we have made great progress on the world stage.This decision from CA sets us back in that journey. If playing vs Afghanistan is so uncomfortable for Australia, then I wouldn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable with my presence in the BBL. Therefore, I will be strongly considering my future in that competition,” Rashid Khan had wrote in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
Former Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi also condemned Australia’s decision, stating that through cricket, Afghanistan has shown the world that given the right opportunity and platform, Afghans are no less than the rest of the world.
“I strongly condemned the decision of @CricketAus by pulling of the series and playing with us, through Cricket, we have shown the world if right opportunity & Platform given to Afghans we are no less then the rest of the world.”
The restrictions on female participation in sport in Afghanistan arose immediately after the Taliban seized control of the state in September 2021. Since then, there has been growing international concern over the human rights situation in the country.
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