With revelations the Taliban will stop Afghan women from playing cricket, the future of the Hobart Test match between and Australia and Afghanistan hangs in the balance.
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Tasmanian Sport and Recreation Minister, and Women's Minister, Jane Howlett said the decision was "deeply disappointing" and held concerns for the cricket match.
As this [decision] includes cricket we expect it could have implications for the scheduled test match between Australia and Afghanistan in Hobart.
- Sport and Recreation Minister Jane Howlett
"We have sought further advice from Cricket Australia on the matter and will also consult with the local Hazara community."
Ms Howlett's comments came just days after Premier Peter Gutwein conceded he was concerned about the test match.
"I have very real concerns as to whether or not the state should hold that match without some very clear commitments being made around it, in terms of the future of women's sport," he said.
In an interview with SBS on Wednesday Taliban deputy head of cultural commission Ahmadullah Wasiq said: "I don't think women will be allowed to play cricket because it is not necessary that women should play cricket".
Responding directly to questions about the Hobart test Ms Wasiq said: "Even for this, if we face challenges and problems, we have fought for our religion so that Islam is to be followed. We will not cross Islamic values even if it carries opposite reactions. We will not leave our Islamic rules".
Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley did not rule out the match going ahead, but said discussions remained ongoing about its likelihood.
He said the Taliban presented "an extremely challenging and complex situation".
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"The current situation is very new, international cricket is working to understand the implications but it's something we'll continue to watch very closely."
"We don't yet have all of the answers but we're in dialogue and taking our advice from all the relevant organisations."
The stance from the Taliban came just two-and-a-half-months before the test match would be held, from November 27 to December 1.
Under International Cricket regulations test status is only granted if a nation fields a women's team.
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