The Taliban have approved Afghanistan’s first cricket Test since their takeover, raising hopes that international matches will resume as usual under the Islamists’ new rule.
“We have received approval to send the team to Australia,” Afghanistan Cricket Board chief executive Hamid Shinwari told AFP.
The Taliban banned most forms of entertainment, including many sports, during their first tenure in power, before being deposed in 2001, and stadiums were used as public execution sites.
The extreme stance Islamists, on the other hand, enjoy cricket, and the sport is popular among many fighters.
After seizing Kabul last month, they have also promised to enforce a less stringent version of Islamic law this time.
The Test match, which will be played in Hobart from November 27 to December 1, was originally scheduled for last year but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and international travel restrictions.
Afghanistan will play its first Test in Australia.
Prior to the Australia tour, Afghanistan will compete in the Twenty20 World Cup, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates from October 17 to November 15.
Shinwari also confirmed that Afghanistan’s Under-19 cricket team will tour Bangladesh later this month for a bilateral match.
There have been concerns that cricket and other sports will suffer as a result of the evacuation of US and NATO forces from Afghanistan following the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul last month.
However, ACB officials have categorically stated that cricket is supported by the Taliban.
