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Australia should just send the women’s team to beat their men’s team.
Just a bit of background for those who aren't cricket followers: 
Afghanistan and Ireland were promoted to the exclusive club of Full Members of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2017. This level of membership allows for automatic qualification for certain global tournaments (this particular series was part of once such tournament) and for better access to financial income from the ICC.
As a requirement of Full Membership, each country must have a 'pathway' for women players. At the time, Afghanistan had some sort of pathway, even if it were just on paper or in its infancy. Under the current regime, even pretending to have that sort of program would be difficult. The controversy now arises from the ICC being reluctant to reassess Afghanistan's membership level in light of them not being able to meet the requirements of Full Membership. >

Thanks, that was a helpful summary, and I’m sorry the ICC won’t step up and do its job. Good on Australia though, I hope others follow suit. >

Most Australian Sports have realised the the people like watching sport whether it male or female, it's only a few years where cricket/afl/league but it will grow for sure >

I watch women's rugby pretty consistently.  I like strong women doing strong things. >

Women's Rugby has had a great burst of growth over the last few years. The recent World Cup in New Zealand broke all sorts of viewership and ticket sales records. >

We've been to a few AFLW games, it's a good day out and by far cheaper than an AFL match. >

Sure it's cheaper but at the end of the day you are stuck watching AFL so is it really worth the savings? >

Melbournians spilling their lattes in their rush to angrily down vote you >

Can confirm, am Melbournian, spilt Latte. >

How many more things can the taliban ban women from? Next they’ll just ban women in the country. >

No more sex with any men, including their husbands! Sex is for men only now! >


Sex is for men only now!

It's Afghanistan, little boys are on the menu >

Don't forget the goats! They're the ones in most demand over in Afghanistan. >

Shit on the Taliban all you want but I don’t think racist stereotypes are the way to go… There are enough real atrocities to criticize them for. >

It’s not a racist stereotype when we have a ton of documented info from former Afghan vets who witnessed the child grooming that goes on over there. The most gruesome story I’ve read detailed a story of the grandson of a village elder being kidnapped by the Taliban. He had his eyes blinded and teeth knocked out and was used as a human sex doll and left to wander once they were done. Stop defending a regressive religion and people because it feels “racist” to criticize. >

Any and all atrocities committed should be criticized as I initially said. The point that is being made is that this is something that is especially committed by them. And also I was rather addressing the comment on the goats rather than the pedophiles. >

This is the best tl;dr I could make, original reduced by 65%. (I'm a bot)


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.
"Following extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the Australian Government, Cricket Australia has decided that it is unable to proceed at this time with the upcoming ICC Super League three-match Men's ODI series between Australia and Afghanistan," the statement read. "This decision follows the recent announcement by the Taliban of further restrictions on women's and girls' education and employment opportunities and their ability to access parks and gyms."
"CA is committed to supporting growing the game for women and men around the world, including in Afghanistan," the Cricket Australia statement said, adding it would "Continue to engage with the Afghanistan Cricket Board in anticipation of improved conditions for women and girls in the country."


Extended Summary | FAQ | Feedback | Top keywords: Australia^#1 Cricket^#2 Afghanistan^#3 women^#4 play^#5 >

Bravo Australia for standing up against Taliban who fail to recognize fundamental women's right to play sport. >

FTFY ‘…recognize fundamental women’s rights.’ >

FTFY ‘…recognize fundamental human rights.’ >

"Who will never recognize" is more probable. >

That’s what should’ve happened at the stupid Qatar cup >

The ICC is not a domain for men. Its for men and women and the ICC should have already banned Afghanistan. At least the Ausies have a moral backbone in this. >

Sports boycotts have proven to be very effective over the years - it should happen way more often. >

Depends how you define effective. Effective at getting Afghanistan removed from cricket competitions like this, maybe. Effective at getting them to change their views towards women? Definitely not. The Taliban don’t really care about how they’re perceived by the rest of the world, they want to be insular so they can do what they want. >

It's not just about the Taliban, if Afghanistan as a country needs to move ahead it really needs its population to grow happier, safe , develop a sense of nationalism etc. A tired and frustrated population would eventually become a major problem for the Taliban to manage and handle.
Sports have always been a source of kinship and pride among the population.  Cricket is immensely popular in Afghanistan and provides ample distraction or an escape to the masses along with a sense of identity and a place in the global sports community. 
These kinda bans will eventually prove a pain in the ass for the ruling government to maintain their rule. Even the Taliban don't have the power and energy to fight internally all the time. They need a reprieve and a long term strategy as well. >

Yea ya kinda need the circuses after the bread. >

Seriously all countries with women's rights should be pulling out. Same shit with the Football World cup, but that didn't happen either.