In a recent announcement, Cricket Australia (CA) disclosed the postponement of the three-match T20 International series against Afghanistan, initially scheduled for August. This decision underscores the gravity of human rights issues prevailing in Afghanistan and reflects CA’s commitment to advocating for improved conditions, particularly for women and girls.

The decision to postpone the series comes after prior instances of deferred matches between the two cricketing nations. Earlier, CA postponed the ODI series against Afghanistan set for March 2023 due to alarming deteriorations in human rights conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan. The decision was made in consultation with the Australian Government, emphasizing a concerted effort to await improved circumstances for Afghan citizens, especially women and girls.

See Also: [Watch] Pat Cummins shares his excitement after joining SRH team

Reasons for Postponement

The ongoing consultations between CA and the Australian Government have revealed a consistent worsening of conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan over the past year. As a result, CA has reaffirmed its stance on prioritizing human rights concerns and has decided to postpone the bilateral series against Afghanistan.

“Following consultation with the Australian Government, CA previously postponed the ODI series against Afghanistan scheduled for March 2023 after a marked deterioration in human rights for women and girls in Afghanistan, stating we would: ‘Continue to engage with the Afghanistan Cricket Board in anticipation of improved conditions for women and girls in the country,’ CA issued the statement.

The postponement echoes a similar scenario from January 2023, when Australia deferred an ODI series against Afghanistan scheduled for March of the same year due to analogous human rights issues. At that time, the decision was prompted by the Taliban’s imposition of further restrictions on women and girls’ education and employment in Afghanistan. Such actions directly contradicted the principles of inclusivity and equality upheld by CA and the broader cricketing community.

Impact on Afghanistan Players

The repeated postponements have evoked mixed reactions from Afghanistan players. Senior star Rashid Khan expressed disappointment over Australia’s decision, highlighting the setback it posed in the journey of Afghanistan cricket. His sentiments were echoed by former captain Mohammad Nabi, who emphasized the need for equal opportunities and platforms for Afghan players to showcase their talent on the global stage.

Response from Afghanistan Players

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Rashid Khan conveyed his disillusionment with Australia’s stance, indicating a potential reevaluation of his participation in the Big Bash League (BBL) due to the discomfort surrounding Australia-Afghanistan cricket engagements. Similarly, Mohammad Nabi condemned CA’s decision, emphasizing the strides made by Afghan cricket and the potential it holds if provided with the right opportunities.

Cricket! The only hope for the country.
Keep politics out of it. @CricketAus @BBL @ACBofficials ♥️ 🇦🇫 ♥️ pic.twitter.com/ZPpvOBetPJ

— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) January 12, 2023

Australia-Afghanistan Cricket History

The history between Australia and Afghanistan in cricket is marked by notable encounters, including their clash in the 2023 ODI World Cup league stage. Despite facing a formidable challenge from Afghanistan, Australia managed a remarkable comeback, showcasing the competitive spirit and resilience inherent in cricket.