In a recent development, Cricket Australia has decided to opt out of playing against Afghanistan in an ODI series which was scheduled to take place in March. UAE was all set to be the neutral hosts of the 3-match ODI series but after a series of meetings held with the Australian government, the Australian cricket board backed out from playing against the Asian outfit.
Outstanding.
@CricketAus and Australian Government.
Australia should have no sporting engagement with any country that bans girls and women from participation. Afghanistan has foregone legitimacy in international sport.
@AnikaWells https://t.co/8fYG8wc4Uj
— Craig Foster (@Craig_Foster) January 12, 2023
The decision from CA has come after they decided to look upon Afghani Cricket board’s efforts to improve the situation of women and girls in the country. As we all know Afghanistan is under the rule of Taliban and the human rights have been heavily exploited.
Cricket Australia came to the conclusion after consulting to stakeholders, sponsors and the Aussie Govt. The board has highly condemned the new rules put out by Taliban which restricts Women’s right to education and employment. This decision was basically a response and indication that they do not comply with the Afghani rulers.
Cricket Australia showing the rest of the world how not to sit idly by and ignore the of Afghan women under the repressive Taliban rule.
Good on them and the Australian Government for not continuing to turn a blind eye or hide behind “ongoing consultations” with the Taliban. pic.twitter.com/7VhrWV773u
— Kalika Mehta (@Journo_K) January 12, 2023
Taliban captured the region back in 2021 and immediately lodged limitations for Women’s rights – Education, employment as well as participating in sports. Afghanistan is also the only ICC full member nation which doesn’t have the existence of a Women’s team even before the Talibani regime took over.
This decision will not necessarily impact Afghanistan’s government because they are anyways not bothered about the situation of its population’s interests. But it will definitely impact the morale of the players who have been working hard to become a major force in the world of cricket.
Cricket Australia 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. pic.twitter.com/cgQ2p21X2Q
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) January 12, 2023
Their players are eligible to participate in lucrative domestic Cricketing leagues but that has not impacted the Afghanistan national team in a positive manner. Meanwhile, Australia will be touring India for 3 ODIs, followed by the Border-Gavaskar trophy scheduled to begin from march.
Related posts:
