The Australia vs Afghanistan ODI series that was scheduled to take place in March in the UAE has been canceled. The reason behind the cancellation of Australia vs Afghanistan ODI series is Australia’s unwillingness to participate in the series due to the Taliban’s restriction on female education and employment. Cricket Australia confirmed its decision after discussions with the Australian government and other key stakeholders.
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
This is the second time that Cricket Australia has decided to take a strong stance against the new Taliban policies in Afghanistan. CA had earlier canceled the one-off test in Hobart in November 2021 after the Taliban came to power in September 2021 and imposed restrictions on female participation in sports. Afghanistan is the only full ICC member nation without a women’s cricket team.
Australia has conceded 30 ODI Super LEague points by withdrawing from the Afghanistan ODI series. However, having already qualified for the ICC men’s 50-over World Cup in India, the conceded points will not affect Australia’s qualifying scenario for the upcoming mega ICC event.