'We don't have answers yet' - Cricket Australia yet to make final decision on Afghanistan Test

Afghanistan is scheduled to play a one-off Test with Australia from November 27 in Hobart. This historic Test match, which was supposed to happen last season, has already seen many hurdles along the way due to COVID-19. But this time, the issue is related to the Hazara community. Tasmania Premier Peter Gutwein is apprehensive about the match going ahead as per the schedule and has voiced his concerns for the same.

Afghanistan is currently grappling with tension due to the Taliban sweeping into power earlier last month. Subsequently, the team’s three-match ODI series against Pakistan was postponed, and the cricket team was left with no game time.

Although the Taliban has assured that it won’t interfere in matters related to the men’s cricket team, Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia’s chief executive, feels it would be extremely challenging for its team to host the match.

“It’s an extremely challenging and complex situation,” Nick Hockley told SEN radio. “There are so many layers to it, and it really does transcend cricket.”

“The situation as it stands today, is that Afghanistan are a full member of the ICC, they’re due to play in the T20 World Cup, but we’re working very closely and having all the right discussions with the ICC, with the Australian government and ultimately we’ll take our lead from them.”

Hockley also has plans in arranging a meeting with Gutwein and discuss the matter related to the one-off Test.

Nick Hockley reckons women’s cricket stance by the Taliban is making matters complex

Hockley further opined that the Taliban has not given surety of the same for women’s cricket in Afghanistan and feels under ICC rules and regulations member nations must equally provide support to men’s and women’s teams.

“I think it’s something that is being keenly followed and observed,” Hockley said. “I think here in Australia, we’ve been a real driving force in growing cricket for women and girls.

“Absolutely we want to see cricket for women and girls growing and strong all around the world. As I said previously obviously, the current situation is very new, international cricket is working to understand the implications, but it is something we will continue to watch very closely.”

Earlier a report had also come on how ACB is planning to host a T20I tri-series involving West Indies and Australia ahead of the T20 World Cup 2021.