In a statement issued on Thursday, Cricket Australia warned to call off the historic first ever men’s Test match against Afghanistan unless the Taliban backtracks on a reported ban on women playing sport.
It said driving the growth of women’s cricket globally was “incredibly important” to the organization.
“Our vision for cricket is that it is a sport for all and we support the game unequivocally for women at every level,” the Cricket Australia said.
“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.”
It follows Australian broadcaster SBS’ report that quoted deputy of the Taliban’s cultural commission, Ahmadullah Wasiq, saying that Afghan women will not be permitted to play sports, including cricket, which will “expose their bodies” or expose them to the media.
“I don’t think women will be allowed to play cricket because it is not necessary that women should play cricket,” Wasiq told Australian broadcaster SBS on Wednesday.
“In cricket, they might face a situation where their face and body will not be covered. Islam does not allow women to be seen like this,” he said.
The Afghanistan cricket team was scheduled to tour Australia in November 2021 to play a one-off Test match. If played, it will be the first Test match to be played between the two teams.
(Agencies)
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