The Australia cricket team have pulled out of their tour to Afghanistan.
The team were due to contest a three-match ODI series in March, which was due to take place in the United Arab Emirates. However, due to the Taliban's restrictions on women and girls, Cricket Australia have taken the decision to no longer participate in the series after "consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the Australian government".
Their statement read: “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. We thank the Australian Government for its support on this matter.”
