It is more than high time wethinks. Even as the International Cricket Council continues with its head in the sand approach to the inexcusable actions of the hardline Taliban regime against women and girls in Afghanistan, Australia has become the first major cricketing country to take a stand on the issue.
Cricket Australia announced Thursday that it had withdrawn from the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan that was scheduled to be played in the UAE in March.
Cricket Australia released a statement about the call off after discussions with key stakeholders, including the government. In its statement, CA revealed that the decision was arrived at following the ruling Taliban's announcement about further curbs on women and girls' education and employment in Afghanistan.
CA's statement in full:
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.
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.
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