Afghanistan’s cricket board has accused Cricket Australia of “succumbing to political influences” in withdrawing from a third series in as many years.

Australia’s men were scheduled to face Afghanistan in three Twenty20s this year under the International Cricket Council’s future tours program.

But CA on Tuesday called off the series that would have been played in the United Arab Emirates instead of Afghanistan, where the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board expressed its disappointment about the move, calling for “neutral and politics-free cricket”.

“ACB advocates for keeping cricket distinct from political influence, considering the game’s significance in Afghanistan and its connection to the happiness and joy of the Afghan Nation,” the statement read.

“ACB’s top management had previously engaged in negotiations with Cricket Australia and proposed exploring alternative solutions instead of publicly announcing withdrawals.

“ACB urges Cricket Australia to respect and understand its position as a Full Member nation and look for alternative solutions rather than succumbing to external pressures and/or political influences.”

In March 2023, CA called off an ODI series against Afghanistan due to concerns over the human rights of women and girls in the country.

CA also pulled out of what would have been a historic one-off Test against Afghanistan in 2021.

But Australia still faced Afghanistan in last year’s ODI World Cup.

The match became an instant classic after Glenn Maxwell blasted an unbelievable unbeaten 201 to rescue Australia from 7-91 to an extraordinary three-wicket win.

The countries also played each other at the 2022 Twenty20 World Cup, held in Australia.

Star legspinner Rashid Khan threatened to boycott the Big Bash League after CA’s decision last year.

But Khan eventually signed to return to play for the Adelaide Strikers, before injury ruled him out of the tournament.

Afghanistan recently played a Test, ODIs and T20s against Ireland, while they have also toured Sri Lanka and India already this year.