Exiled Afghan women cricketers urge ICC to take action against Taliban sports restrictions

Members of the exiles Afghanistan The women’s cricket team has made a powerful appeal to the International Cricket Council (ICC) take decisive action against the Taliban’s permanent ban on women’s sports. Their demands highlight the critical intersection of sport, human rights and international diplomacy, sparking global conversations about cricket’s role in addressing systemic oppression.

The terrible bottom

Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, Afghan women have faced severe restrictions on education, employment and participation in sports. The Taliban’s policies effectively dismantled the Afghan women’s cricket team, forcing the players to flee the country. Many of these athletes have sought refuge in Australia, struggling to keep their cricketing dreams alive as they grapple with the loss of their homeland.

The demands of Afghan women cricketers

Leading the charge for change, Firooza Amiriprominent member of the exiled team, has publicly criticized the ICC for its inaction. Through media statements and formal communications to cricketing bodies, Amiri and his teammates have urged the ICC to:

• Suspend Afghanistan’s membership until women’s cricket is restored.
• Redirect funding from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) to support the exiled women’s team.
• Recognize and support a refugee team for Afghan female cricketers.

Amiri specifically questioned the ICC’s allocation of funds to women’s cricket in Afghanistan, stating: “ICC funding to ACB for women’s program, where has that money gone?” He highlighted the glaring disparity between the flourishing men’s cricket infrastructure and the total neglect of women’s sports.

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International pressure is increasing

The plight of Afghan women cricketers has attracted international attention, particularly in the UK. More than 160 British MPs have signed a letter urging the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to boycott their Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan. They called the Taliban’s treatment of women “medieval oppression” and called for a strong global response.

However, the ECB has opted against unilateral action, citing concerns that a boycott could inadvertently serve the Taliban’s agenda to isolate Afghan society. The board advocates for a coordinated initiative led by the ICC to address the issue comprehensively.

The ICC’s measured approach

The ICC has so far taken a cautious stance, prioritizing dialogue over sanctions. He has established an Afghanistan Cricket Task Force to engage with the situation, with the aim of harnessing the widespread influence of cricket in Afghanistan for social change. Critics, however, argue that the ICC’s response has been too slow and ineffective, failing to adequately address the Taliban’s entrenched policies.

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This article was first published in WomenCricket.coma Cricket time company