Australia has decided to postpone a men's Twenty20 international series against Afghanistan later this year, citing concerns about the situation for women in the Taliban-ruled country.
Cricket Australia stated that it had received advice indicating that "conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan are worsening." As a result, the organization made the decision to "postpone" the three-match series scheduled for August at a neutral venue.
Despite cricket's growing popularity in Afghanistan, particularly with notable victories over larger nations on the international stage, women have effectively been excluded from the sport under the Taliban's Islamic rule.
Cricket Australia emphasized its commitment to supporting women's and girls' participation in cricket worldwide through this decision.
This isn't the first time Australia has taken such action. Since 2021, Australia has refused to engage in cricketing activities with Afghanistan outside of international tournaments. In November 2021, Cricket Australia canceled a one-off Test following the Taliban's resurgence. Additionally, in 2023, officials withdrew from a three-match one-day series that was set to take place on neutral ground in the United Arab Emirates.
The Taliban assumed control of Afghanistan in August 2021, establishing the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and implementing an interim government purportedly based on sharia law.
The restrictive policies enforced by the Taliban have led to widespread international condemnation. Teenage girls have been prohibited from attending most secondary schools, and women have been barred from universities, sparking outrage across the globe.