PESHAWAR: The Australian Cricket Board (ACB) on Friday postponed the first test match against Afghanistan after the reports that the Taliban government has imposed “ban on women’s sport” in Afghanistan.
However, the the Taliban-led Afghanistan has not officially banned women’s participated in sport.
The Australian cricket officials told the media that the decision has been taken after consultation with ‘relevant stakeholders’. After the decision, the men’s team’s Test match, which was scheduled in Hobart this month, will not be played.
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After ousting the elected government in August, senior Taliban leaders said Afghan women would no longer play cricket or any other sport. The Taliban have also barred women from going to school and playing public roles, saying that they would be allowed after creating conducive environment.
Senior Australian cricketers have earlier hinted that they Test would be canceled if women were not allowed to participate in sports, especial cricket.
Afghanistan’s men’s team is currently playing in the T20 World Cup, but they have been warned that they could face international sanctions if the country fails to field a team in the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand. In a statement, Cricket Australia said it was “committed to promoting the sport for men and women in Afghanistan and around the world.”
“However, due to the current uncertain situation, regarding women sports in Afghanistan, it has been decided to postpone the first test cricket match,” the board said. Afghan players are expected to be allowed to play in Australia next season of the Big Bash League.
In September 9, Ahmadullah Wasiq, the deputy head of the Taliban’s cultural commission, said Afghan women will not be allowed to play any sport – including cricket – without covering their bodies and faces.
“Women’s participation in sports is unnecessary and it will not be appreciated as it would violate Islamic values,” Wasiq said in his interview with Australian media. He stressed that women should not be allowed to play cricket because in cricket, women face a situation where they are unable to cover their bodies and faces. “Thus, it is against the teachings of Islam,” he maintained.