Cricket Australia to not host Afghanistan in Hobart if women excluded from sport


Cricket Australia to not host Afghanistan in Hobart if women excluded from sport

Cricket Australia (CA) has taken a strong stand for the development of Women’s cricket in Afghanistan. Since the Taliban has taken over control in Afghanistan, many questions have been raised over the future of cricket in the country especially for women. In the same light, it was learned that the Taliban have banned females from participating in any kind of sports.

ADVERTISEMENT

As the news got viral in the cricket fraternity, Cricket Australia (CA) became the first organization to condemn the action publicly. The Australian body has decided to cancel the only Test match between Australia and Afghanistan if women are not allowed to play the sport under the Taliban regime.

Australia and Afghanistan are scheduled to square off against each other in a lone Test match from November 27 in Hobart. However, on Wednesday, the Australian cricket board released an official statement to convey that the Men’s team won’t be allowed in Australia if Afghanistan Women’s team is forced to sit at home. 

Cricket Australia releases an official statement 

Cricket Australia
Cricket Australia

“Driving the growth of women’s cricket globally is incredibly important to Cricket Australia. Our vision for cricket is that it is a sport for all and we support the game unequivocally for women at every level,” a CA statement said.

ADVERTISEMENT

“If recent media reports that women’s cricket will not be supported in Afghanistan are substantiated, Cricket Australia would have no alternative but to not host Afghanistan for the proposed Test Match due to be played in Hobart. We thank the Australian and Tasmanian Governments for their support on this important issue,” it added. 

Meanwhile, the Australian Cricketers Association (ACA) also issued a statement to support Cricket Australia. ACA admitted that they would love to see Afghan players like Rashid Khan play against Australia. However, the Test match can’t go ahead if the same opportunity isn’t provided to the female Afghan cricketers. 

“What is happening now in Afghanistan is a human rights issue that transcends the game of cricket. And while we would love to see players such as Rashid Khan play against Australia, hosting this Test Match cannot be considered if that same opportunity to play the game is denied to Roya Samim and her teammates,” the statement by ACA read. 

Also Read: BCCI questioned on Conflict of Interest after MS Dhoni appointed Mentor in T20 World Cup

ADVERTISEMENT