Cricket Australia cancels Afghanistan series over human rights concerns [Video]

Cricket Australia have cancelled their men’s T20 series against Afghanistan due to ‘deteriorating human rights for women and girls’ in the country under Taliban rule.

Australia were due to face Afghanistan in a three-match series in the UAE in August but have chosen not to compete against the country for the third time since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

Despite this stance, Australia has continued to play against Afghanistan at ICC tournaments, beating them by three wickets on the way to winning the 50-over World Cup in India last year.

Before the World Cup group game against Afghanistan in November, Cricket Australia said there was a ‘distinction between playing bilateral series against Afghanistan which falls under CA control as compared to playing in a World Cup tournament which is an ICC event and subject to their regulations.’

In a new statement, they say government advice is that conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan are ‘getting worse’, …