Australia pulls out of the ODI series against Afghanistan

Australia has withdrawn from the three match ODI series against Afghanistan scheduled to be played in the UAE in March. Cricket Australia issued a statement regarding the sudden call off on Thursday, January 12 after holding discussions with key stakeholders including the government. In its statement, Cricket Australia disclosed that the decision was made following the ruling Taliban’s announcement about further curbs on women and girls’ education and employment in Afghanistan.  

"CA is committed to supporting growing the game for women and men around the world, including in Afghanistan, and will continue to engage with the Afghanistan Cricket Board in anticipation of improved conditions for women and girls in the country. We thank the Australian Government for its support on this matter," ," the CA statement read.

This is not the first instance Cricket Australia have presented a strong stance against the policies of the Afghanistan government. The Taliban rose to power in Afghanistan in September 2021 and soon after, imposed restrictions on female participation in sport, which the CA castigated. The board consequently cancelled the one off test scheduled to be played in Hobart in November of that year. 

Incidentally, Afghanistan is the only member nation without a women’s team and without a representative participating team at the inaugural Women’s Under 19 World Series, starting later this week. International Cricket Board CEO Geoff Allardice acknowledged that recent reforms were “alarming”, and said the topic would be raised at the International Cricket Council’s next meeting.  

"Our board has been monitoring progress since the change of regime," Allardice said. "It is a concern that progress is not being made in Afghanistan and it's something our board will consider at its next meeting in March. As far as we are aware, there isn't any activity at the moment."

By pulling out of the series, Australia conceded 30 ODI Super League Points to Afghanistan that was on offer in Australia’s last project of the cycle. But the Kangaroos will not be concerned by the loss of points, having already confirmed their place in the 50 over World Cup, which will be held in India in October-November this year. 

ACB, in a media release, expressed their dejection over the entire scenario “extremely disappointed and saddened" by the Cricket Australia's decision to withdraw from the series, and said it is considering "officially writing to ICC and rethinking the participation of Afghan players in the Big Bash League (BBL)".

"Afghanistan Cricket Board is extremely disappointed and saddened by the pathetic statement of Cricket Australia to withdraw from Afghanistan's home three-match ODI series in March," the statement read, "and will officially write to the International Cricket Council about the issue.

"Cricket Australia's decision to withdraw from upcoming matches against Afghanistan is coming after consultation and potential enforcement from the Australian Government which is an unfortunate attempt to enter the realm of politics and politicise the sport. By prioritising political interests over the principles of fair play and sportsmanship, Cricket Australia is undermining the integrity of the game and damaging the relationship between the two nations.

"The decision to withdraw from playing the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan is unfair and unexpected and will have a negative impact on the development and growth of cricket in Afghanistan as well as will affect the love and passion of the Afghan nation for the game.

"The recent decision by Cricket Australia to withdraw from upcoming matches against Afghanistan has caused a great deal of concern within the Afghan cricket community. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is closely monitoring the situation and is considering taking action, including officially writing to ICC and rethinking the participation of Afghan players in the Aus T20 League, if the decision to withdraw from Afghanistan's home series is not overturned."