Thumbs Up For Cricket: Taliban Allows Afghanistan’s Maiden Test Against Australia

Kabul: Many are doubting whether the Taliban will keep the promises it made after taking control of Afghanistan. On Wednesday, however, it showed the world that they want to be true to their words by granting approval to Afghanistan’s first-ever Test match against Australia.

Rashid Khan & Co. will fly to Australia to play a one-off Test after the Taliban approved the team’s tour of Australia tour.

“We have got approval to send the team to Australia,” chief executive of the Afghanistan Cricket Board Hamid Shinwari told AFP.

During their first stint in power, before 2001, the Taliban had banned most forms of entertainment, including many sports. Stadiums were used as venues for public execution. There were fears that cricket and other sports will take a hit this time too.

The Test match, to be played in Hobart from November 27-December 1, was originally scheduled to be played last year but had to be put off due to COVID pandemic-induced international travel restrictions.

Afghanistan cricketers also expect clearance from the Taliban to take part in the T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the UAE from October 17-November 15.