Cricket Australia (CA) on Thursday (January 12) confirmed that it has withdrawn from the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan, citing Taliban's growing restrictions on women and girls.

Australia were scheduled to face Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series as part of the ICC Super League in UAE in March.

However, after "extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the Australian Government", CA decided to pull out of the fixture.

"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 scheduled for the UAE in March 2023," CA said in a statement.

"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, and will continue to engage with the Afghanistan Cricket Board in anticipation of improved conditions for women and girls in the country," it added.

With this decision, Australia will also forfeit 30 competition points for the series, which go towards World Cup qualification. However, the points will be of little importance as Australia have already qualified for the ODI World Cup, slated to be held in India later this year.

The Taliban regained control of the war-torn country in August 2021 and immediately placed restrictions on female participation in sport.

Last month, Taliban also banned women from attending university and working for non-governmental organisations (NGOs).