MELBOURNE: The planned historic maiden men’s Test between Australia and Afghanistan stands cancelled with only an official confirmation remaining after the newly installed Taliban government announced its opposition to women playing cricket in the Islamic nation.
In a statement released Thursday, Cricket Australia confirmed it would be unable to proceed with the planned Test at Hobart’s Blundstone Arena from November 27 if news reports of Taliban views on the women’s game prove true.
“Driving the growth of women’s cricket globally is incredibly important to Cricket Australia,” the statement said.
“Our vision for cricket is that it is a sport for all and we support the game unequivocally for women at every level.
“If recent media reports that women’s cricket will not be supported in Afghanistan are substantiated, Cricket Australia would have no alternative but to not host Afghanistan for the proposed Test Match due to be played in Hobart.
“We thank the Australian and Tasmanian Governments for their support on this important issue.”
