March 19th 2024.
In the world of cricket, Australia and Afghanistan were supposed to face off in a thrilling T20 series this August. However, Cricket Australia has made the difficult decision to cancel the series due to the worsening conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
This is not the first time that Australia has chosen not to compete against Afghanistan since the Taliban regained power in 2021. Despite this stance, they have still faced each other in ICC tournaments, with Australia coming out on top in a nail-biting match during the 50-over World Cup in India last year.
Cricket Australia has made it clear that there is a clear distinction between playing a bilateral series under their control and playing in an ICC event, which is subject to different regulations. However, in light of the current situation in Afghanistan, they have decided to postpone the series.
In a recent statement, Cricket Australia explained that the Australian government has advised them that conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan are only getting worse. As a result, they have maintained their previous position and will not be playing against Afghanistan this summer.
It is evident that Cricket Australia remains committed to promoting and supporting women's participation in cricket globally. They will continue to engage with the International Cricket Council and the Afghanistan Cricket Board to find ways to resume bilateral matches in the future.
It is worth noting that Afghanistan is the only full member nation of the ICC without a women's team. However, the restrictions imposed on women and girls in the country go far beyond sports. The Taliban has banned girls from attending school beyond primary education and has also prohibited them from going to parks, gyms, and pools.
It is a difficult and unfortunate situation, and Cricket Australia's decision to cancel the series is a reflection of their commitment to promoting equality and human rights. Let us hope for a better future for the women and girls in Afghanistan and for the resumption of cricket matches between these two teams in the years to come.
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