Pat Cummins and company were set to play Afghanistan in an ODI series in the UAE in March, just after Australia’s upcoming trip to India. However, due to the Taliban’s attitude toward women, Cricket Australia has formally canceled the tour.
Cricket Australia tweeted, “CA is committed to supporting growing the game for women and men around the world
On Thursday (January 12), Cricket Australia shared a post on Twitter and wrote, “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.” The CA added, “We thank the Australian Government for its support on this matter.”
It should be mentioned that the Taliban took over the unstable Asian country in September 2021 and immediately imposed limits on female athletic participation, which CA vehemently opposed and ultimately forced the board to cancel the tour.
Afghanistan, which features Rashid Khan, has advanced significantly as a national team over the years, although it is still the only ICC full-member country without a women’s squad. Additionally, it will be the only full member without a team at the first Women’s U19 T20 World Cup, which begins on Saturday in South Africa (January 14).
“It is a concern that progress is not being made in Afghanistan and it’s something our board will consider”
Geoff Allardice, CEO of the International Cricket Council, has addressed the Taliban’s view on Afghan women’s lack of participation. He emphasized that it is “concerning” that they are not present and said that the topic will be discussed at the group’s next meeting.
“Our board has been monitoring progress since the change of regime,” Mr. Allardice said in a statement. “It is a concern that progress is not being made in Afghanistan and it’s something our board will consider at its next meeting in March. As far as we are aware, there isn’t activity at the moment,” he added.
