Cricket Australia (CA) has confirmed its men’s Test against Afghanistan — scheduled to be played in Hobart this month — has been postponed.
CA’s decision does not come as a surprise, as only last month its chief executive Nick Hockley said a postponement was “likely” following the Taliban’s recent takeover of Afghanistan.
“Following extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders, Cricket Australia and the Afghanistan Cricket Board have agreed to postpone the inaugural men’s Test match against Afghanistan which was set to be played in Hobart on November 27,” a CA statement read on Friday.
“CA is committed to support growing the game for women and men in Afghanistan and around the world, however, given the present uncertainty, CA felt it necessary to postpone the Test match until a later time when the situation is clearer.
“CA looks forward to hosting Afghanistan players in the BBL this season, who are great ambassadors for the game, and to hosting both the Afghanistan women’s and men’s team in the not too distant future.”
The Test against Afghanistan — which would have been the first played between the two countries — was set to be part of Australia’s preparations for the men’s Ashes series, which begins next month.
CA said an extended Australian squad would take part an internal three-day match in Brisbane, beginning December 1.
The first Test commences at the Gabba on December 8.
