Australia’s cricketing future with Afghanistan remains uncertain, especially for men’s bilateral matches. Cricket Australia (CA) recently partnered with UNICEF Australia to champion gender equality through their “Until Every Girl Can Play” campaign. Here’s how CA is taking a stand for Afghan women cricketers while maintaining a firm position on Afghanistan’s male cricket tours.
Cricket Australia’s Partnership with UNICEF
Cricket Australia has signed an agreement with UNICEF Australia to promote the ‘Until Every Girl Can Play’ campaign, focused on ensuring equal sporting opportunities for girls worldwide. As part of this initiative:
- Fundraisers for UNICEF: CA plans to hold fundraising events for UNICEF Australia during the upcoming Perth Test and the Women’s Ashes Test at the MCG in January.
- Advocating for Afghan Women Cricketers: CA has been clear about its position on Afghanistan’s men’s cricket, citing the Taliban’s policies on women’s rights as a reason to refrain from scheduling bilateral series outside of international tournaments.
CA’s Stand on Bilateral Matches with Afghanistan
Australia has canceled three bilateral series with Afghanistan over the last few years, aligning with its stance on gender equality and women’s rights. According to the Future Tours Programme, Australia is scheduled to host Afghanistan for a men’s Test and three T20Is in July 2026, though it’s unclear if those matches will go forward.
Support for Afghan Women Cricketers
CA has provided ongoing support for Afghan female cricketers who now live and play in Australia. Many of these women have requested assistance from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to establish a refugee team in Australia, as they currently lack a national team to represent.
CA’s CEO Nick Hockley has expressed pride in the efforts made across Australia’s cricketing community:
“Every level of the cricketing community, from clubs to state associations, has supported these players. We are exploring more ways to help them continue playing the sport they love.”
UNICEF’s Neutral Stance on Cricket Politics
UNICEF Australia’s CEO Tony Stuart emphasized UNICEF’s neutral position, advocating for participation in sports without diving into political matters. UNICEF remains committed to supporting Afghan children and women through various programs, encouraging opportunities for Afghan women, particularly in Australia, to participate in cricket.
Final Thoughts
While CA maintains a cautious approach toward men’s cricket with Afghanistan, it’s committed to promoting women’s cricket and supporting Afghan women cricketers within Australia. This balanced stance highlights the importance of sporting opportunities for all, regardless of gender or political context.
