Australian cricket boycotts matches against Afghanistan

Cricket Australian cricket boycotts matches against Aghanistan in response to the Taliban’s unacceptable treatment of women and girls. Australian team was scheduled to play three one-day internationals against Afghanistan on neutral ground in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in March but after talks with the Australian government the series has been cancelled. The Australian government welcomed Cricket Australia’s decision to withdraw from the upcoming men’s One Day International series following the Taliban’s increased suppression of women and girl’s rights. It stated that the Taliban’s systematic removal of women and girls from public life is unacceptable. Cricket Australia decided to boycott the matches before approaching the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which gave its support on behalf of the government.Australian cricket boycotts matches emphasised that it was committed to supporting growing the game for women and men around the world, including in Afghanistan. It added that it would continue to engage with the Afghanistan Cricket Board in anticipation of improved conditions for women and girls in the country. Australia will forfeit 30 competition points for the series, which go towards World Cup qualification but have already secured automatic qualification to the 50-over tournament in India in October. TW

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