The International Cricket Council says Afghanistan has communicated its intent to keep up the women's game in the country but the world body still awaits more action.

Afghanistan's participation in the ongoing men's Twenty20 World Cup was under threat after reports emerged of the new Taliban regime not allowing women to play cricket.

The team led by Mohammad Nabi impressed in the Super 12 stage before losing out in the race for the semi-finals following their loss to New Zealand.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-sends-message-to-babar-azam-co-after-t20-wc-exit-praises-teams-humility-428759">Pakistan PM Imran Khan sends message to Babar Azam &amp; Co. after T20 WC exit, praises team's 'humility'</a>

Geoff Allardice, chief executive of the ICC, said they will back cricket from the war-torn region to thrive on the global stage.

"Our goal is to see men and women playing cricket in Afghanistan. We've supported them and the team has performed at this event. You've seen their players in a number of events now," Allardice told reporters in Dubai.

"In terms of how our board will consider the situation in Afghanistan at its meeting next week, they will get a report on how things are travelling."

Allardice said, "They have said to us that women's cricket is continuing. They certainly haven't given us an indication that it has stopped.

"Time will tell, in terms of how that plays out. Yes, we have been in regular communication with them from the time things changed in their country."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shahid-afridi-says-pakistan-can-win-t20-world-cup-next-year-urges-fans-to-back-the-players-428857">Shahid Afridi says Pakistan can win T20 World Cup next year, urges fans to back the players</a>

Meanwhile, according to reports, cricket in the United States could be awarded a major ICC event in the next cycle starting 2024.

Allardice said the ICC remains committed to expand the game globally and hold events in countries where the sport is gaining ground.

"Taking an ICC event or a World Cup of any description to a developing cricket country has a huge impact whether it's on facilities or awareness of the game particularly when the local team is involved," said Allardice.

"It's a great opportunity to develop the game."

Cricket's dream of making it to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles had got a boost early this year when the Board of Control for Cricket India put aside their reluctance to join the push.

"Over the last decade, we have had various member countries expressing interest in being part of the Olympic games," said Allardice.

"This time we have got all our members on board and are unanimous in wanting to be part of the games. I don't pretend it will be easy to campaign and be successful with the Los Angeles organising committee and beyond that Brisbane as well.

"There are going to be a lot of other attractive sports that are going to be interested. We are looking forward to putting our best foot forward."

The International Cricket Council says Afghanistan has communicated its intent to keep up the women's game in the country but the world body still awaits more action.

The International Cricket Council says Afghanistan has communicated its intent to keep up the women's game in the country but the world body still awaits more action. Afghanistan's participation in the ongoing men's Twenty20 World Cup was under threat after reports emerged of the new Taliban regime not allowing women to play cricket. The team led by Mohammad Nabi impressed in the Super 12 stage before losing out in the race for the semi-finals following their loss to New Zealand. ALSO READ | Pakistan PM Imran Khan sends message to Babar Azam & Co. after T20 WC exit, praises team's 'humility' Geoff Allardice, chief executive of the ICC, said they will back cricket from the war-torn region to thrive on the global stage. "Our goal is to see men and women playing cricket in Afghanistan. We've supported them and the team has performed at this event. You've seen their players in a number of events now," Allardice told reporters in Dubai. "In terms of how our board will consider the situation in Afghanistan at its meeting next week, they will get a report on how things are travelling." Allardice said, "They have said to us that women's cricket is continuing. They certainly haven't given us an indication that it has stopped. "Time will tell, in terms of how that plays out. Yes, we have been in regular communication with them from the time things changed in their country." ALSO READ | Shahid Afridi says Pakistan can win T20 World Cup next year, urges fans to back the players Meanwhile, according to reports, cricket in the United States could be awarded a major ICC event in the next cycle starting 2024. Allardice said the ICC remains committed to expand the game globally and hold events in countries where the sport is gaining ground. "Taking an ICC event or a World Cup of any description to a developing cricket country has a huge impact whether it's on facilities or awareness of the game particularly when the local team is involved," said Allardice. "It's a great opportunity to develop the game." Cricket's dream of making it to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles had got a boost early this year when the Board of Control for Cricket India put aside their reluctance to join the push. "Over the last decade, we have had various member countries expressing interest in being part of the Olympic games," said Allardice. "This time we have got all our members on board and are unanimous in wanting to be part of the games. I don't pretend it will be easy to campaign and be successful with the Los Angeles organising committee and beyond that Brisbane as well. "There are going to be a lot of other attractive sports that are going to be interested. We are looking forward to putting our best foot forward."

'We have been in regular communication': ICC waits on Afghanistan promises over women's cricket

In war and in peace, passion for cricket alive and well in Afghanistan

Acting chief executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Geoff Allardice, opened up on Afghanistan's participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup, which will get underway on October 17 in the United Arab Emirates and Oman.&nbsp;

With a spotlight on the war-torn nation due to the recent takeover of the Taliban, Allardice said, "When the change of regime took place in Afghanistan in August, we have been in regular touch with the Afghanistan Cricket Board."&nbsp;

"Our primary function is to support the development of cricket in that country through the member board. We have said all along that we are waiting to see how things unfold under the different regime in that country.&nbsp;

"The ICC board will consider it when they next meet which is looking like the end of the T20 World Cup," he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/covid-19-committee-to-decide-fate-of-matches-if-cases-arise-in-t20-word-cup-2021-icc-419693">COVID-19 committee to decide fate of matches if cases arise in T20 Word Cup 2021: ICC</a>

Afghanistan, on the other hand, have announced a revised 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup, with Mohammad Nabi as captain.&nbsp;

In the revised 15-man squad, the likes of Sharafuddin Ashraf and Dawlat Zadran, who were in the initially announced squad, have now been named travel reserves alongside Samiullah Shinwari and Fazal Haq Farooqi. Farid Ahmad Malik has been promoted to the top 15 from reserves.&nbsp;

Afghanistan is slotted in Group 2 of the Super 12s, along with India, Pakistan, and New Zealand. the team will kick-start their T20 World Cup campaign against a qualifier from Group B on October 25 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Acting chief executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Geoff Allardice, opened up on Afghanistan's participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup, which will get underway on October 17 in the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

Acting chief executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Geoff Allardice, opened up on Afghanistan's participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup, which will get underway on October 17 in the United Arab Emirates and Oman. With a spotlight on the war-torn nation due to the recent takeover of the Taliban, Allardice said, "When the change of regime took place in Afghanistan in August, we have been in regular touch with the Afghanistan Cricket Board." "Our primary function is to support the development of cricket in that country through the member board. We have said all along that we are waiting to see how things unfold under the different regime in that country. "The ICC board will consider it when they next meet which is looking like the end of the T20 World Cup," he added. ALSO READ | COVID-19 committee to decide fate of matches if cases arise in T20 Word Cup 2021: ICC Afghanistan, on the other hand, have announced a revised 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup, with Mohammad Nabi as captain. In the revised 15-man squad, the likes of Sharafuddin Ashraf and Dawlat Zadran, who were in the initially announced squad, have now been named travel reserves alongside Samiullah Shinwari and Fazal Haq Farooqi. Farid Ahmad Malik has been promoted to the top 15 from reserves. Afghanistan is slotted in Group 2 of the Super 12s, along with India, Pakistan, and New Zealand. the team will kick-start their T20 World Cup campaign against a qualifier from Group B on October 25 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

T20 World Cup: 'We are in regular touch with Afghanistan Cricket Board,' says ICC acting chief executive

The governing International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken a wait-and-watch approach on Afghanistan but will discuss the game's fate in the country in a board meeting next month, ICC acting chief executive Geoff Allardice said on Sunday.

Afghanistan risk isolation since the country's Taliban takeover in August, with Cricket Australia threatening not to host them for a one-off test in Hobart next month if the new government in Kabul did not allow women to play the sport.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has said it is committed to women's cricket but was awaiting instructions from the government on its future.

"Our primary function is to support the development of cricket in that country through the member board," Allardice told a virtual news conference ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup which begins on Oct. 17.

"We have said all along that we are waiting to see how things unfold under the different regime in that country."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-hardik-pandya-virender-sehwag-names-3-players-mumbai-indians-should-retain-ahead-of-ipl-mega-auction-419581">No Hardik Pandya! Virender Sehwag names 3 players Mumbai Indians should retain ahead of IPL mega auction</a>

"The ICC board will consider it when they next meet which is looking like at the end of the T20 World Cup."

Afghanistan are currently training in Qatar and will begin their Twenty20 World campaign against a qualifier in Sharjah on Oct. 25.

When the Taliban last ruled Afghanistan two decades ago, girls were not allowed to attend school and women were banned from work and education.

Australia test captain Tim Paine said teams might refuse to play Afghanistan at the T20 World Cup, but Allardice said there was no doubt over their participation in the showpiece event.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tom-moodys-desire-to-become-indias-next-head-coach-reason-behind-david-warners-fall-from-grace-at-srh-419434">Tom Moody's desire to become India's next head coach reason behind&nbsp;Warner's fall from grace at SRH?</a>

"They are full member of the ICC and the team is preparing for the event at the moment and will be playing in Group B," he said.

"As far as their participation in the event, it`s proceeding as normal."

The ICC official also confirmed that the 20-overs World Cup, last staged in 2016, will embrace the Decision Review System (DRS) with each team having a maximum of two reviews per innings.

The governing International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken a wait-and-watch approach on Afghanistan but will discuss the game's fate in the country in a board meeting next month, ICC acting chief executive Geoff Allardice said on Sunday.

The governing International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken a wait-and-watch approach on Afghanistan but will discuss the game's fate in the country in a board meeting next month, ICC acting chief executive Geoff Allardice said on Sunday. Afghanistan risk isolation since the country's Taliban takeover in August, with Cricket Australia threatening not to host them for a one-off test in Hobart next month if the new government in Kabul did not allow women to play the sport. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has said it is committed to women's cricket but was awaiting instructions from the government on its future. "Our primary function is to support the development of cricket in that country through the member board," Allardice told a virtual news conference ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup which begins on Oct. 17. "We have said all along that we are waiting to see how things unfold under the different regime in that country." Also Read: No Hardik Pandya! Virender Sehwag names 3 players Mumbai Indians should retain ahead of IPL mega auction "The ICC board will consider it when they next meet which is looking like at the end of the T20 World Cup." Afghanistan are currently training in Qatar and will begin their Twenty20 World campaign against a qualifier in Sharjah on Oct. 25. When the Taliban last ruled Afghanistan two decades ago, girls were not allowed to attend school and women were banned from work and education. Australia test captain Tim Paine said teams might refuse to play Afghanistan at the T20 World Cup, but Allardice said there was no doubt over their participation in the showpiece event. Also Read: Tom Moody's desire to become India's next head coach reason behind Warner's fall from grace at SRH? "They are full member of the ICC and the team is preparing for the event at the moment and will be playing in Group B," he said. "As far as their participation in the event, it`s proceeding as normal." The ICC official also confirmed that the 20-overs World Cup, last staged in 2016, will embrace the Decision Review System (DRS) with each team having a maximum of two reviews per innings.

ICC adopts wait-and-watch approach on Afghanistan

Former Afghan&nbsp;cricketer Asghar Stanikzai has responded to the Australian Test captain Tim Paine's remarks that other countries might refuse to play against Afghanistan cricket team in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup after the Taliban's ban on women's cricket.&nbsp;

Writing a lengthy note on his Facebook account, Asghar said, "Mr. Paine! The Afghan National Cricket Team has the right to play not only in this World Cup but in all ICC organized tournaments/events in accordance with the rules and regulations of ICC, and I'm sure that our brave National Heroes will perform their best in it and showcase their elite Talents Inshallah."&nbsp;

A couple of days ago, Paine stated that it would be "interesting" to see how a team like Afghanistan is allowed to play in an ICC tournament. He also said that the chances of Australia's first-ever Test against Afghanistan are "not looking good" with the Taliban unwilling to let women play cricket.&nbsp;And as per ICC rules, all Test-playing nations must have a women's team as well.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/great-fielding-an-adorable-dog-invades-cricket-pitch-picks-up-the-ball-and-starts-running-watch-412624">'Great fielding': An adorable dog invades cricket pitch, picks up the ball and starts running - Watch</a>

Asghar wrote, "As a Sportsperson and Professional Cricketer you know that it require too much of hard work and dedication to reach this level of Cricket."

"For a less privileged Cricketing Nation as Afghanistan with zero infrastructure and support reaching where we are right now and playing shoulder to shoulder with top 10 countries require sheer determination, passion and talent."

"Therefore, you should refrain from delivering aggressive statements which would result in isolating the Afghan Cricket," he added.&nbsp;

"Cricket is now the No#1 Sport in Afghanistan and is being followed by nearly 30 million Afghans. This shows, either you are unaware of the circumstances or talking out of contradiction; in any case you are mistreating Afghan Cricket and all the gains we have obtained with hardship in the past decade. (Sports should be separated from politics)," he wrote.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="733" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fasgharstanikzai44%2Fposts%2F451613849660095&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="500"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shane-warne-praises-virat-kohli-but-feels-indias-batting-not-as-strong-as-dravid-ganguly-laxman-tendulkar-sehwag-412587">Shane Warne praises Virat Kohli but feels India's batting not as strong as Dravid, Ganguly, Laxman, Tendulkar, Sehwag</a>

Recently, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/do-not-isolate-us-afghanistan-cricket-board-urges-to-keep-game-out-of-politics-412190">Afghanistan Cricket Board</a> (ACB) has urged the Australian cricket board to not penalise the men's cricket team over Taliban rulers' suggestion that they might ban women from the sport.&nbsp;

Recently, a Taliban official said it was "not necessary" for women to play any sport as it would be against Islam if women players faced a situation where their face and body might be "uncovered".&nbsp;

The Afghan board's CEO Hamid Shinwari released a lengthy statement as he expressed "shock and immense disappointment" at the potential cancellation of the Australia-Afghanistan Test. He said it is "sudden and unexpected" and called it a "knee-jerk reaction".&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-burqa-clad-women-march-with-taliban-flag-412521/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Former Afghan cricketer Asghar Stanikzai has responded to the Australian Test captain Tim Paine's remarks that other countries might refuse to play against Afghanistan cricket team in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup after the Taliban's ban on women's cricket.

Former Afghan cricketer Asghar Stanikzai has responded to the Australian Test captain Tim Paine's remarks that other countries might refuse to play against Afghanistan cricket team in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup after the Taliban's ban on women's cricket. Writing a lengthy note on his Facebook account, Asghar said, "Mr. Paine! The Afghan National Cricket Team has the right to play not only in this World Cup but in all ICC organized tournaments/events in accordance with the rules and regulations of ICC, and I'm sure that our brave National Heroes will perform their best in it and showcase their elite Talents Inshallah." A couple of days ago, Paine stated that it would be "interesting" to see how a team like Afghanistan is allowed to play in an ICC tournament. He also said that the chances of Australia's first-ever Test against Afghanistan are "not looking good" with the Taliban unwilling to let women play cricket. And as per ICC rules, all Test-playing nations must have a women's team as well. ALSO READ | 'Great fielding': An adorable dog invades cricket pitch, picks up the ball and starts running - Watch Asghar wrote, "As a Sportsperson and Professional Cricketer you know that it require too much of hard work and dedication to reach this level of Cricket." "For a less privileged Cricketing Nation as Afghanistan with zero infrastructure and support reaching where we are right now and playing shoulder to shoulder with top 10 countries require sheer determination, passion and talent." "Therefore, you should refrain from delivering aggressive statements which would result in isolating the Afghan Cricket," he added. "Cricket is now the No#1 Sport in Afghanistan and is being followed by nearly 30 million Afghans. This shows, either you are unaware of the circumstances or talking out of contradiction; in any case you are mistreating Afghan Cricket and all the gains we have obtained with hardship in the past decade. (Sports should be separated from politics)," he wrote. × ALSO READ | Shane Warne praises Virat Kohli but feels India's batting not as strong as Dravid, Ganguly, Laxman, Tendulkar, Sehwag Recently, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has urged the Australian cricket board to not penalise the men's cricket team over Taliban rulers' suggestion that they might ban women from the sport. Recently, a Taliban official said it was "not necessary" for women to play any sport as it would be against Islam if women players faced a situation where their face and body might be "uncovered". The Afghan board's CEO Hamid Shinwari released a lengthy statement as he expressed "shock and immense disappointment" at the potential cancellation of the Australia-Afghanistan Test. He said it is "sudden and unexpected" and called it a "knee-jerk reaction". ×

'Refrain from delivering aggressive statements': Ex-Afghanistan cricketer slams Tim Paine

Taliban and Afghan flags side by side as fans enjoy a game of cricket at Kabul International Stadium