Cricket Australia postpone Afghanistan Hobart Test match

The governing body announced the decision to postpone the scheduled fixture until a later date after consultation with the relevant stakeholders and Afghanistan Cricket Board.

Afghanistan's trip down under would have represented the first Test match between the two nations and the first Test match at Bellerive Oval since 2016.

In a statement, Cricket Australia said they held out hope the Test match could be played at a later date at the venue.

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They indicated that the political situation in the country and Taliban's ban on women's sport, including not fielding a women's cricket side, had been a factor in the decision.

"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," they said.

"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 decision had been a long time coming after the several key stakeholders expressed their concerns over the Test match's future in recent months.

Premier Peter Gutwein voiced his concerns in September as the state government sought assurances over the country's stance on women's cricket and wanted to engage the Hazara community.

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That was echoed CA's stance a few days later where they indicated they would have "no alternative" but to scrap the Test match due to the unfolding situation at the time.

Bellerive Oval's wait for Test match cricket will continue after last hosting a victorious South African side which beat Australia by an innings and 80 runs in 2016.

CA also confirmed Tasmania would host Western Australia in a Sheffield Shield fixture at Bellerive from November 21-24 before they face-off in the One-Day cup on November 26.

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