Cricket Australia (CA) has postponed a match against Afghanistan later this year, citing the situation for women in the Asian country. "Conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan are deteriorating and we have maintained our position and will postpone the bilateral series against Afghanistan," CA said, postponing the three-match series, due to be played at a neutral venue in August.

Cricket has enjoyed a surge in popularity in Afghanistan in recent years, with some notable victories over bigger nations in international competitions, but women are now essentially banned from playing the sport. Several contracted female cricketers from Afghanistan fled to Australia after the Taliban came to power.

Some Afghan players playing in the Australian league are unhappy with the move. "If playing against Afghanistan is so uncomfortable for Australia, then I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable with my presence in the BBL. So I will reconsider my future in this competition," Adelaide Strikers player Rashid Khan posted on social media.

Australia has declined to play Afghanistan outside of international tournaments on three occasions since 2021, including pulling out of  a Test in 2021 and a one-day international series in the UAE in 2023, a move criticised by the Afghanistan Cricket Board as "pathetic". 

"CA remains strongly committed to supporting the participation of women and girls in cricket around the world and will continue to actively engage with the International Cricket Council and work closely with the Afghanistan Cricket Board to determine what steps can be taken to support the resumption of bilateral matches in the future," CA said. The two nations last met at the 50-over World Cup in India last year, with Australia winning by three wickets en route to the championship.