member of the exiles Afghanistan The women’s cricket team made a strong appeal. International Cricket Council (ICC) To take decisive action against the Taliban’s ongoing ban on women’s sports. Their demands highlight the important intersection of sport, human rights and international diplomacy, sparking a global conversation about cricket’s role in addressing systemic oppression.
terrible background
Since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, Afghan women have faced severe restrictions on their access to education, employment and participation in sports. The Taliban’s policies effectively disbanded the Afghanistan women’s cricket team, forcing players to leave the country. Many of these players have taken refuge in Australia, where they are trying to overcome the pain of losing their homeland while continuing their cricketing dreams.
Demands from Afghan women cricketers
leading change, Firoza Amiria prominent member of the exiled team, publicly criticized the ICC for its inaction. Through press statements and official communications with the cricket board, Amiri and team members have called on the ICC to:
- Afghanistan’s membership is suspended until women’s cricket returns.
- Redirect funds from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) to support the exiled women’s team.
- Recognize and support refugee teams for Afghan female cricketers.
Amiri specifically questioned the allocation of ICC funding for women’s cricket in Afghanistan, saying: “The funds provided by ICC to ACB for women’s programs, where did this money go?” She highlighted the glaring gap between a thriving men’s cricket infrastructure and a complete disregard for women’s sport.
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International pressure mounts
The plight of Afghan women cricketers has attracted international attention, particularly in England. More than 160 British lawmakers have signed a letter urging the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to boycott the Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan. They described the Taliban’s treatment of women as “medieval oppression” and called for a strong global response.
However, the ECB decided not to take unilateral action, citing concerns that a boycott could inadvertently serve the Taliban’s intention to isolate Afghan society. The Board advocates a coordinated plan led by the ICC to comprehensively address this issue.
ICC’s cautious approach
The ICC has so far taken a cautious stance, prioritizing dialogue over sanctions. It established the Afghanistan Cricket Task Force to engage with the situation, with the aim of leveraging the widespread influence of cricket in Afghanistan for social change. But critics argue the ICC’s response has been too slow and ineffective to adequately address the Taliban’s entrenched policies.
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This article first appeared on: WomenCricket.comThis is a Cricket Times company.
