Members of the Exiles Afghanistan the women’s cricket team gave a powerful address International Cricket Council (ICC) Take decisive action against the Taliban’s continued ban on women’s sports. Their demands highlight the critical 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 education, employment and sports. The Taliban’s policies effectively disbanded the Afghan women’s cricket team, forcing the players to flee the country. Many of these athletes seek refuge in Australia and try to keep their cricketing dreams alive while struggling with the loss of their homeland.
Demands of Afghan women cricketers
Leading the charge for change, Firuza Amiria prominent member of the exiled team has publicly criticized the ICC for its inaction. Through media statements and official communications to cricket authorities, Amiri and his teammates urged the ICC to:
- Suspend Afghanistan’s membership until women’s cricket resumes.
- Redirect funding from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) to support the exiled women’s team.
- Recognize and support the refugee team for Afghan women cricketers.
Amiri questioned the allocation of ICC funds specifically meant for women’s cricket in Afghanistan, saying: “ICC funding to ACB for women’s program – where did the money go?” He highlighted the stark contrast between the flourishing infrastructure of men’s cricket and the complete neglect of women’s sports.
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International pressure is increasing
The plight of Afghan women cricketers has attracted the attention of the international community, especially the UK. More than 160 British MPs have signed a letter calling on the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to boycott the 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 opposed unilateral action, citing concerns that the boycott could inadvertently serve the Taliban’s agenda to isolate Afghan society. The Council supports an ICC-coordinated initiative to comprehensively address the issue.
A measured approach of ICC
The IMF has so far taken a cautious stance, preferring dialogue over sanctions. It created the Afghanistan Cricket Task Force to deal with the situation, with the aim of harnessing cricket’s broad influence in Afghanistan for social change. Critics 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 originally published here WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
