Australia Will Not Take Part In ODI Series Against Afghanistan

In reaction to the Taliban’s illl treatment of women in their regime which includes tightening limitations on their access to school and economic possibilities, Cricket Australia has opted to pull out of the ODI series against Afghanistan which was about take place in March.

As part of the ICC Super League, the Australian men’s team was supposed to play Afghanistan in three one-day internationals (ODIs) in the United Arab Emirates. However, after Thursday’s news, the white-ball series would not go as scheduled.

Recently, the Taliban prevented adolescent females from attending school and forbade women from enrolling in universities in Afghanistan, making headlines throughout the world. Women’s rights have been in extreme danger since Taliban ascended to the power.

Australia will thus forfeit the series, handing 30 ICC Super League points to Afghanistan, who has already qualified automatically for the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup in India.

Afghanistan, which is still the only ICC full member without a women cricket team, has continued to participate in ICC tournaments after the Taliban took control, including a recent Men’s T20 World Cup match against Australia at Adelaide Oval.

Prior to Afghanistan’s trip of Australia in August 2026 for three T20 Internationals and a Test match, Australia and Afghanistan are set to play a three-match T20 series at a neutral site in August 2024.

Here’s Official Statement From Cricket Australia

“Following extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the Australian Government, Cricket Australia has decided that it is unable to proceed at this time with the upcoming ICC Super League three-match Men’s ODI series between Australia and Afghanistan scheduled for the UAE in March 2023,” Cricket Australia said in a statement.

“This decision follows the recent announcement by the Taliban of further restrictions on women’s and girls’ education and employment opportunities and their ability to access parks and gyms.

“CA 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.

“We thank the Australian Government for its support on this matter.”