Cricket Australia (CA) has reaffirmed its decision not to engage in bilateral cricket matches with Afghanistan due to the Taliban government’s stance on women’s rights. Cricket Australia chief’s statement on bilateral series with Afghanistan. CA’s chief executive, Nick Hockley, emphasized the importance of this issue, stating that the organization cannot support a regime that restricts women’s participation in society.
Hockley also highlighted that there has been continuous dialogue with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) regarding this matter. He acknowledged the complexity of the situation and expressed a desire for positive changes that would allow the two countries to resume playing cricket against each other “sometime in the future.” Despite the current stance, Hockley remains hopeful that ongoing conversations will eventually lead to a resolution that aligns with CA’s values on gender equality and women’s rights.
Cricket Australia chief’s statement on bilateral series with Afghanistan
Cricket Australia’s chief Nick Hockley has made a statement saying Australia remains intact with their decision to not play any bilateral cricket with Afghanistan. Unless the human rights violations under the Taliban regime get addressed and taken care of.
Australia has withdrawn from playing bilateral series against Afghanistan three times, citing “a marked deterioration in human rights for women and girls.” However, they have continued to face Afghanistan in ICC events.
After Afghanistan’s notable victory over Australia in the T20 World Cup last month, Usman Khawaja remarked that CA’s position was “a little bit hypocritical.” Afghanistan’s captain Rashid Khan also addressed the issue after the match, expressing his hope that they could find a solution to the problem.
“They [Afghanistan] had a fantastic tournament with phenomenal players, and they played with great passion and spirit. Regarding our bilateral matches, we have consulted extensively with stakeholders, including the Australian government, and chose to postpone our last couple of series with Afghanistan Cricket Board on human-rights grounds.” Nick Hockley said.
“We maintain a close relationship and regular dialogue with the Afghanistan Cricket Board, and want to see cricket thrive worldwide for both men and women. We hope for a level of progress, and continue to discuss and maintain contact with the Afghanistan Cricket Board, aiming to resume bilateral cricket against Afghanistan at some point in the future.” He added.
Australia has previously cancelled 3 bilateral series against Afghanistan
Australia has previously postponed series with Afghanistan due to human rights issues. In January 2023, they delayed an ODI series set for March, citing similar concerns. At that time, CA explained that the decision was in response to the Taliban’s announcement of additional restrictions on women’s and girls’ education and employment.
CA’s statement noted that the Australian Government’s advice indicated worsening conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan. Consequently, CA has upheld its stance and decided to postpone the bilateral series against Afghanistan.
With the Taliban sticking to their own set of rules that put a stop on the education and basic freedom of women, it is uncertain whether Australia and Afghanistan would play any bilateral series anytime soon.
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