Australia again postpones Afghanistan series over human rights concerns. Cricket Australia has announced the postponement of its upcoming men’s series against Afghanistan, citing grave concerns over the deteriorating human rights situation in the country, particularly for women and girls.
Australia again postpones Afghanistan series
The decision comes after Cricket Australia’s continued consultations with the Australian government, which has provided advice indicating a worsening situation for women and girls in Afghanistan.
This advice has been a key factor in Cricket Australia’s stance, leading to the postponement of the bilateral series against Afghanistan.
Series Postponed for the Third Time
This isn’t the first time Cricket Australia has taken such action. It marks the third instance where the Australian board has declined to engage in cricketing fixtures with Afghanistan due to human rights concerns.
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Previous withdrawals include a three-match One-Day Internationals (ODI) series in January 2023 and the cancellation of a one-off Test match in 2021.
Reactions from Afghan Players and Fans
The repeated cancellations have not been without repercussions. Afghan players and fans have expressed dismay at Cricket Australia’s decisions, highlighting their disappointment with the postponement of the series.
Continued Support for Women’s Cricket
Despite the postponement of bilateral matches, Cricket Australia remains steadfast in its support for the inclusion of women and girls in cricket globally.
The board has pledged to actively engage with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and collaborate closely with the Afghanistan Cricket Board to explore avenues for the resumption of bilateral matches in the future.
ICC Events and Continued Rivalry
It’s worth noting that despite the refusal to engage in bilateral series, Australia has continued to face Afghanistan in ICC events.
The clash between the two teams in the World Cup 2023 stands out as a recent and memorable encounter between the cricketing nations.
As Cricket Australia takes a principled stance on human rights issues, the postponement of the series underscores the growing significance of human rights considerations in international sports engagements.
The board’s decision reflects a commitment to values beyond the boundaries of the cricket field, emphasizing the importance of upholding fundamental rights and freedoms.
