Australia cancels cricket matches against Afghanistan, points to Taliban action

Australia will miss three cricket matches against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates in protest at the Taliban’s restriction of women’s rights, the Australian FA said on Thursday.

“This decision follows the Taliban’s recent announcement of new restrictions on educational and employment opportunities for women, as well as their right to access parks and sports halls,” she said. written in a press release.

After consultation with the main stakeholders, including the Australian government, it was decided that three meetings between the Australian men’s team and Afghanistan, scheduled for March in the United Arab Emirates, would not take place.

“(We) will continue to work with the Afghanistan Cricket Federation as we look forward to improved conditions for women and girls in the country,” the Australian federation added.

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