TALIBAN APPROVES TOUR

Afghan cricketers resuming training in Kabul days after the Taliban takeover. A touring party is due to play a Test against Australia in Hobart in November. Picture: AFP

THE Taliban has indicated approval for the Afghanistan men’s cricket team to travel to Australia for a historic Hobart Test match in November, but the move highlights bigger issues for cricket in the wake of the brutal regime’s coup.

There are grave concerns for the 25 contracted female cricketers trapped in the country.

Female soccer players were advised to burn any photographs, trophies or memorabilia and sporting organisations around the world are attempting to help

female athletes, many of whom have received death threats as the Taliban took over.

SBS confirmed with a member of the Taliban that there was no specific objection to the men’s side travelling to Australia for the game, due to start on November 27 in Hobart.

The deputy head of the Taliban’s cultural commission Ahmadullah Wasiq told SBS Pashto that all previously organised matches “will continue without interruption, and (the Afghan team) can play with other international teams”.

“In the future, we want

good relations with all countries,” he said.

“When good relations are established, Afghan players can go (to Australia) and they can come here.”

Cricket Australia is continuing with plans to host the men’s side for the first Test of the summer.

“Cricket Australia’s planning for the historic first Test match between Australia and Afghanistan in Hobart is well underway,” a spokesperson said.

“CA will continue to work with the Australian and Tasmanian governments ahead of the Afghanistan team’s arrival.”