Cricket Australia Cancels Men’s T20 Series with Afghanistan Amid Taliban Concerns

Australia has opted to withdraw from their men’s T20 series against Afghanistan scheduled for August due to ongoing restrictions on women and girls imposed by the Taliban in Afghanistan. The series originally planned to be held in the United Arab Emirates has been canceled for the third time since the Taliban regained control in 2021. Cricket Australia (CA) cited government advice indicating a worsening situation for women and girls in Afghanistan as the reason for their decision.

This follows previous postponements of bilateral series in March 2023 and September 2021 due to similar concerns. Despite the cancellations, Australia will continue to engage with Afghanistan in tournaments. The Taliban’s restrictions in Afghanistan include limitations on women’s rights to work, study and participate in public life such as attending school or using recreational facilities. Women are also required to adhere to strict dress codes and must be accompanied by male relatives when traveling long distances.