Australia’s stance is in stark contrast to that of the International Cricket Council, dominated by India, which continues to let Afghanistan’s men’s team compete despite the ICC’s own charter clearly stating that countries must have men’s and women’s teams.

Afghanistan has continued to play bilateral series against most Test countries and participate in ICC events. CA were criticised for hypocrisy when they played Afghanistan in last year’s World Cup.

India takes a similar position with Pakistan, refusing to play them in bilateral series for political reasons but competing again them in ICC events.

CA was strongly criticised by the Afghanistan Cricket Board for postponing last year’s one-day series.

“Cricket Australia’s decision to withdraw from upcoming matches against Afghanistan is coming after consultation and potential enforcement from the Australian Government which is an unfortunate attempt to enter the realm of politics and politicise the sport,” the ACB statement said at the time.

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“Cricket Australia is undermining the integrity of the game and damaging the relationship between the two nations.

“The decision to withdraw from playing the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan is unfair and unexpected and will have a negative impact on the development and growth of cricket in Afghanistan as well as will affect the love and passion of the Afghan nation for the game.”

The ACB did not mention women’s rights in its statement. It said it was “using the sport to promote healthy lifestyles and discourage young people from getting involved in drugs and crime.”