Cricket

Cricket Australia (CA) has partnered with UNICEF Australia to promote gender equality through the 'Until Every Girl Can Play' campaign. This partnership raises questions about the future of bilateral cricket matches between Australia and Afghanistan.CA has been vocal in its stance against scheduling men's bilateral cricket against Afghanistan outside of World Cups due to the Taliban government's restrictions on women's rights. The organization has canceled three bilateral series with Afghanistan in recent years.Despite this, CA continues to support a group of Afghan female cricketers who reside and play in Australia. These players have requested assistance from the ICC in establishing a refugee team based in Australia.CA CEO Nick Hockley emphasized the organization's ongoing support for these players. "They've been extremely well supported by every level of the cricketing community," he said. "We are working behind the scenes on ways we can continue to support."UNICEF Australia CEO Tony Stuart acknowledged the complex political situation but emphasized the importance of participation. "We encourage participation wherever we are in the world," he said. "I'm pleased to see so many Afghan women in Australia, and I hope they get the opportunity to participate in the game in the future."The Future Tours Programme indicates that Australia is scheduled to host Afghanistan in a men's Test and three T20Is in July 2026. However, it remains uncertain whether this series will proceed given CA's stance on women's rights.