Afghanistan’s cricket board said on Thursday it was unfair and pathetic that the Australian cricket board’s decision to withdraw from the upcoming series was over the Taliban’s crackdown on women’s rights.
“The Afghan Cricket Board is deeply disappointed and saddened by Cricket Australia’s pathetic declaration of withdrawal from Afghanistan’s ODI Home Series in March.
“Cricket has played an important role in promoting unity and national pride in Afghanistan. It has also been an important source of hope and inspiration for all Afghans, especially young people. In addition, Cricket has also been an important tool for promoting education and social development in the country.
“The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has been working to promote cricket in schools and universities, and it has also been using the sport to promote healthy lifestyles and discourage young people from getting involved in drugs and crime. Cricket has been an important tool for promoting peace, unity, and development in Afghanistan, and it will continue to be a source of inspiration and hope for the people of the country in the years to come.
“Afghanistan Cricket Board has always been responsive and expressed its willingness to work together with Cricket Australia and other member boards including stakeholders; to find a solution that supports the development of the game in Afghanistan.”
Return to power
The Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in August 2021. On December 20, it banned women from attending university and a few days later, banned the, from working for local and international NGOs.
“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,” said Cricket Australia. “CA is committed to supporting the growth of the game for women and men around the world, including Afghanistan, and in anticipation of better conditions for Afghan women and girls, the Afghan Cricket Board continue to cooperate with
“We appreciate the support of the Australian Government in this matter.”