Cricket Australia has opted to postpone its anticipated three-match men’s T20I series against Afghanistan, originally slated for August. The decision follows advice from the Australian government, citing deteriorating conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan.
This isn’t the first time Cricket Australia has made such a decision regarding matches with Afghanistan. Last year, they similarly postponed an ODI series in March due to prevailing circumstances.
Cricket has surged in popularity inside Afghanistan in recent years, fuelled by sporadic triumphs over bigger nations on the international stage. But under the Taliban’s brand of Islamic rule, women remained effectively barred from the game.
Cricket Australia said its stance continued a “strong commitment to supporting participation by women and girls in cricket around the world”. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Cricket Australia said it will “work closely with the ICC and the Afghanistan Cricket Board to resume bilateral matches in the future.”
