World Cup T20 schedule: Massive hint that Afghanistan will be allowed to play

World cricket continues to dither over what to do about Afghanistan’s place in the game - and now the World Cup is at risk.

Australia was set to play Afghanistan in a World Cup T20 warm-up game but suddenly it won‘t happen as cricket dithers over the fate of the Taliban-torn country.

In a draw seen by New Corp, Afghanistan have been set down to play two warm-up matches against South Africa and the West Indies and Australia will play New Zealand and India with all games to be televised by Fox Cricket.

Australia was initially down to play Afghanistan and the West Indies with the Afghanistan showdown a potential powderkeg given Australia is set to scrap its Test with that nation scheduled for Hobart in November in protest against the Taliban‘s abandonment of women’s cricket.

A spectator wearing a hat with an Afghanistan flag and Taliban ribbon watches a match in Kabul. Picture: Aamir Qureshi/AFP

But that schedule has been recast due to venue issues and Australia and Afghanistan will be spared the anxiety of playing each other.

The decision to include Afghanistan in the trial matches is a clear pointer to the fact that it is likely the nation will be allowed to stay in the main draw which brings a raft of sensitive issues including a potential boycott of rival teams.

Australian captain Tim Paine recently questioned whether Afghanistan would be allowed to play in the World Cup given the global push against the Taliban control of the country.

“I imagine it will be impossible if teams are pulling out of playing against them and governments are not letting them travel to our shores, then how a team like that can be allowed to play in an ICC-sanctioned event is going to be very, very hard to see,‘’ Paine said.

The ICC has suggested it will discuss Afghanistan‘s participation in the tournament but time is running short.

Taliban fighters patrol outside the Kabul International Cricket Stadium during a Twenty20 cricket match in Kabul on September 3, 2021. Picture: Aamir Qureshi/AFP

Meanwhile, the stresses of bubble fatigue which are threatening England‘s tour of Australia this summer have surfaced again with English batsman Tom Banton withdrawing from his Big Bash contract with the Brisbane Heat.

For the second season in succession Banton, 22, will miss the BBL due to his concerns over the drain of bubble life including hotel quarantine.

Heat coach Wade Seccombe said player welfare was of paramount importance.

“We had some good conversations with Tom during The Hundred about his intentions and certainly gave him the time and space to make his decision,’’ Seccombe said.

“In the end, he was honest and upfront with his decision-making and told us how disappointed he was not to be coming out, but we understand and accept his decision.’’

Tom Banton has once again withdrawn from the Big Bash over quarantine fears. Picture: Alex Davidson/Getty Images

KEY PIECE OF AUSSIE T20 CUP ASSAULT GETS HUGE IPL LIFT

Things are looking better for David Warner and Australia’s T20 World Cup preparations.

Dropped as a player, axed as a captain and destined to earn his IPL millions sitting on the bench during the first phase of the tournament, his stocks may appear to have risen as the stars reassemble.

Back in May the IPL came to a screeching halt amid the humanitarian disaster unfolding around it.

David Warner is set to benefit from the absence of David Warner.

Attempts to hold a nationwide tournament in a pandemic saw players and coaches infected. Michael Hussey was flown to Chennai in a biosecure pod which some compared to a body bag.

The rest of the Australians were evacuated in full PPE gear but found themselves locked out of their own country and stranded on an island where things, at times, got a little Lord of the Flies.

Warner and Michael Slater denied there was anything to reports of a stoush, but if there had been it added to the desolate circumstances as stranded broadcasters, coaches, players and medical staff were woken by falling Chinese satellites and threatened by a typhoon.

Warner and most of the entourage are back to finish what they started, but not in India nor the Maldives. This time organisers are playing it safe and have moved the remaining games to the UAE.

Something went wrong at the front half of the tournament for Warner who has been the face and backbone of the Sunrisers Hyderabad franchise. He couldn’t find touch and neither could the team. His eventual axing caused tensions with Sunrisers’ director for cricket Tom Moody and he looked sure to sit out the second half.

The recent decision by Jonny Bairstow to not return after the England summer, however, opens the door for the Australian all-format opener to come back into the team.

Indian commentator Aakash Chopra believes it will happen.

Steve Smith was one of the first Aussies to head over to the UAE.,

“It will now be certain that David Warner will play because a time had come when you were not going with him. Kane Williamson, the captain, and along with him Jonny Bairstow. Jason Holder, Rashid Khan – they had plenty of options to play with. So, that makes their job a little easier and not difficult at all,” the former Indian player said on his YouTube channel.

That is good news for Australia who embarked on a tour of the West Indies and Bangladesh hoping to broaden the potential pool of players ahead of October’s World Cup, but mostly just confirmed what they already knew.

Warner, like Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Jhye Richardson and Kane Richardson were all absent from the national tour which first battled a match hardened West Indies outfit and then struggled on Bangladesh wickets that were barely fit for purpose.

Smith missed those outings because of an elbow injury, but has recovered and was one of the first to make the trip across to the UAE so he could serve his six-day quarantine and get out into the nets.

Cummins is skipping the IPL to be at the birth of his first child, but his bowling partner Josh Hazlewood is returning to be with Chennai Super Kings who will hopefully give him more opportunity.

Hazlewood did not attend the first half of the tournament and it was not clear if he could return.

“The BCCI has confirmed players who were not available in the first phase can join the respective teams in the second phase if they are fit and available,” a spokesperson said recently. “Considering Hazlewood’s form, he will be a great addition to our team.”

Josh Hazlewood is set to play with the Chennai Super Kings.

Nathan Ellis got a chance to play a couple of games in Bangladesh and made an impression by taking a hat trick on debut.

There are reports three IPL franchises sought his signature as a replacement player in recent times but it was Punjab Kings who signed him up as they will be without Riley Meredith and Richardson.

The IPL returns on Monday.

Silence over Langer post Ashes is defeaning

Justin Langer is under pressure to urgently “adapt’’ his management style with Cricket Australia refusing to guarantee his post-Ashes future after crisis talks with players.

CA chief executive Nick Hockley said he was “proud’’ of the “very direct’’ discussions between Australian coach Langer, senior CA executives and leaders Tim Paine, Pat Cummins and Aaron Finch in recent weeks.

It appears there has been ground given by both sides in an uneasy truce after player unrest over Langer’s intense ways.

Hockley feels Australia now has its ship in order for a summer, which includes a T20 World Cup in the UAE next month and a home Ashes series with Langer’s four-year deal to expire next June.

Justin Langer has been urged to adapt his management style. Picture: AAP Image

“I feel the discussions over the last few weeks have set up us really well for the next two campaigns,’’ Hockley told News Corp.

“Everyone has had the opportunity to provide feedback about what is working and what can be improved. I do think people need to adapt their management styles.

“We have had a whole range of discussions over the past couple of weeks and I have been really proud of everybody.

“They have been very direct, honest and comprehensive, very constructive discussions.

When asked about what Langer would need to do to seal an extension to his deal, Hockley said: “We are really focused on the upcoming campaigns. JL’s contract runs through to the middle of next year.

“Our focus over the last couple of weeks is to make sure we get set to be successful in the T20 World Cup and the Ashes. We have an away tour to Pakistan.

Will Langer see out the end of his contract? Picture: AFP

“In terms of what happens beyond that we will sit down and evaluate and look at the process after the Ashes.’’

It has been strongly tipped that given the recent tension between Langer and the players it would make sense for both Langer and CA for the two to part at the end of the deal.

“We have got fantastic leaders and an incredible coaching group,” Hockley said.

“The (recent) discussions have been about how everyone steps up and owns their space.

“It is about role clarity and consistency and that comes with good communication and having a clear plan. There are some shifts everyone needs to make.

“It is all about leadership and accountability. In the discussions we have had it’s about empowering the leadership to step up and lead.’’