ICC forms working committee to determine future of cricket in Afghanistan under Taliban rule

The International Cricket Council has set up a task force to determine the future of the game in Afghanistan under its Taliban government, the world governing body announced on Wednesday.

The remarkable rise of cricket in Afghanistan in recent years has been the sport’s greatest fairy tale story, but the strife-torn nation faces international isolation after the Taliban took control of the country in August.

Cricket Australia has postponed a single men’s Test against Afghanistan in Hobart – which was scheduled for later this month – if the new government in Kabul does not allow women to play the sport.

“The ICC Board is committed to continuing to support Afghanistan Cricket to develop both men’s and women’s cricket,” ICC chairman Greg Barclay said in a statement.

“We believe the most effective way to make this happen will be to support our member in their efforts to achieve this through their relationship with the new government.”

Taliban officials said they would not repeat the harsh rule of the previous Taliban government, which banned the education of most girls and banned women from going out in public without a male guardian.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment.

ICC had taken a wait-and-see approach to whether Afghanistan could continue as a full member – allowing them to play test matches – and the question was raised at their board meeting in Dubai at the the Twenty20 World Cup ended last week.

“Cricket is fortunate to be able to influence positive change in Afghanistan with the men’s national team a source of great pride and unity in a country with a young population that has seen more upheaval and change than most,” added Barclay.

“We must protect this status and continue to try to influence change through the ACB, but we will continue to monitor the situation closely and make all decisions accordingly.”

Among other decisions, the ICC also appointed former India captain and current board chief Sourav Ganguly as chairman of its cricket committee, replacing spin bowling great Anil Kumble whose maximum term of nine years ended this month.