Australia pull out of Afghanistan series because of Taliban stance on women and girls
- Published
Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan could pull out of the BBL after Cricket Australia's decision
Australia have withdrawn from a men's one-day series against Afghanistan in March because of the Taliban's restrictions on women and girls.
The three-match series was scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates.
Cricket Australia said it took the decision after "consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the Australian government".
As a result, Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan said he was considering pulling out of Australia's Big Bash League.
Khan plays for Adelaide Strikers in the Twenty20 competition.
"I take great pride in representing my country and we have made great progress on the world stage," Khan wrote in a post on social media., external
"This decision from CA sets us back in that journey.
"If playing vs Afghanistan is so uncomfortable for Australia then I wouldn't want to make anyone uncomfortable with my presence in the BBL.
"Therefore, I will be strongly considering my future in that competition."
The Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in August 2021.
They banned girls from going to secondary schools and from studying certain subjects as well as telling them they could only choose universities within their province.
On 20 December, they then banned women from attending university, provoking international condemnation. A few days later, the Taliban banned women from working for local and international non-Governmental organisations (NGO).
"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 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."
'Basic human right to play sport' - former Australia captain Clark
Former Australia captain Belinda Clark, who retired from the sport in 2005 after winning two World Cups, told BBC Sport's Stumped that it was a "reasonable move".
"It's a basic human right that people should be able to play sport," she said. "If you have a country without that basic human right then I think you have a problem.
"I know the ICC (International Cricket Council) is in a difficult position about how they might manage that among members but, if sport is not going to stand up and say you need to be equitable and providing opportunities for both genders, then who's going to do it?
"People need to stand up and have a view on whether or not it's something that should be available for everyone."
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