Cricket Australia has pulled out of its three-match ODI series against Afghanistan due to recent curbs on the rights of women to play sport in the country.
Key points: Afghanistan was set to host Australia in three ODIs in March this year in the UAE.
Afghanistan was set to host Australia in three ODIs in March this year in the UAE Cricket Australia cancelled a planned inaugural Test match between the two nations in 2021.
Cricket Australia cancelled a planned inaugural Test match between the two nations in 2021 Afghanistan played Australia in the T20 World Cup last year.
However, Cricket Australia said in a statement that it would be "unable to proceed" with the tour at this time following consultation with the Australian government.
"We made our position very, very clear off the back of some earlier comments [made by the Taliban] around — potentially — cricket as a sport for women and girls not being supported in Afghanistan," Cricket Australia boss Nick Hockley said at the time.
"We unequivocally want to support the growth of cricket for women and men all around the world, including in Afghanistan.". »