Australia's cricket Test against Afghanistan is set to be scrapped after the Taliban declared a ban on women's sport.
The first-ever Test between the nations was slated to begin on November 27 in Hobart, providing Tim Paine's team a key Ashes tune-up.
But Cricket Australia (CA), under significant political pressure to act, has released a statement confirming it is ready to cancel the fixture.
"If recent media reports that women's cricket will not be supported in Afghanistan are substantiated, Cricket Australia would have no alternative but to not host Afghanistan for the proposed Test," CA wrote.
"We thank the Australian and Tasmanian governments for their support on this important issue.
"Driving the growth of women's cricket globally is incredibly important to Cricket Australia.
"Our vision for cricket is that it is a sport for all and we support the game unequivocally for women at every level."
Ahmadullah Wasiq, deputy head of the Taliban's cultural commission, told SBS on Wednesday women will be banned from playing sport.
"In cricket, they might face a situation where their face and body will not be covered. Islam does not allow women to be seen like this," Wasiq said.
Federal Sports Minister Richard Colbeck is among those unwilling to back the one-off Test unless the Taliban changes its stance on women playing sport.
