The historic one-off Test match between Australia and Afghanistan has been postponed as a precaution due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

The encounter was scheduled to take place from 21-25 November at Optus Stadium in Perth but the complexities of the current Indian Premier League, which will finish at the start of November, would’ve meant a two-week quarantine period for anyone wanting to enter Australia.

The difficulty surrounding the travel aspect for both the Australian and Afghanistan players in the IPL led to the decision from Cricket Australia and the Afghanistan Cricket Board to reschedule the match to next year.

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Similarly, Australia’s ODI series against neighbours New Zealand in late January has also been postponed for the same reason, meaning India will be the only team to visit Australia during their summer season of cricket.

With dates yet to be confirmed, Virat Kohli’s men will tour Australia for four Test matches, three ODIs and three T20Is.

‘Cricket Australia looks forward to working with our good friends at the Afghanistan Cricket Board and New Zealand Cricket to deliver the matches at a time when, hopefully, the restrictions brought on by the COVID19 pandemic have eased,’ said CA’s interim CEO Nick Hockley.

‘We all worked incredibly hard to make the series happen this summer, but the challenges around international travel and quarantine restrictions ultimately convinced all parties that the series would need to be played at a later date.

‘CA looks forward to welcoming the Indian men’s team for a full schedule of matches this summer in what promises to be an incredible contest across all three formats.

‘CA would also like to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful partners for their understanding and support as we have navigated the complexities of hosting international sport during a pandemic to deliver a thrilling summer across men’s and women’s cricket at international and domestic level.’