After months of threatening to postpone the only Test between Australia and Afghanistan scheduled towards the end of this month due to a ban on women’s cricket in the country in the wake of change in government in Afghanistan, Cricket Australia has now formally deferred the Test citing uncertainty.
It also said that the game has not been cancelled and that it will take place in future when the “situation is clearer” while hoping that Australia will be able to host both men and women cricketers from Afghanistan in not too distant future.
Australia has been a favourable cricketing ground for Afghanistan players as they have found reputation and traction among franchises in the Big Bash League. Cricket Australia said that it is looking forward to hosting Afghanistan players whom they called “great ambassadors” of the game.
"CA is committed to support growing the game for women and men in Afghanistan and around the world, however, given the present uncertainty, CA felt it necessary to postpone the Test match until a later time when the situation is clearer," a statement said. "CA looks forward to hosting Afghanistan players in the BBL this season, who are great ambassadors for the game, and to hosting both the Afghanistan women's and men's team in the not too distant future."
Afghanistan’s T20 captain and one of their biggest all-time stars, Mohammad Nabi expressed disappointment on the development but at the same time, he was “happy” at Australia not cancelling the Test altogether. Nabi said that he is aware of the decision-making process of Cricket Australia who is committed to the development of the game in Afghanistan and he will carry on having discussions over the issue.
"It's disappointing the Test match isn't going ahead this year but I'm happy that the match is only postponed and not cancelled. My representative has been assured by Cricket Australia that they remain committed to the development of cricket in Afghanistan, so I look forward to hearing how we can work together in this regard,” Nabi said.
Afghanistan suffered a regime change after the Taliban overthrew the civilian government and imposed a massive crackdown on cultural activities such as women’s sport and Cricket Australia has always maintained its stance over the issue. It threatened to cancel the Test against Afghanistan in order to safeguard women’s game in the country despite calls from former players and experts on that being not a good option to produce desired results.