Human Rights Watch (HRW) has implored the International Cricket Council (ICC) to suspend Afghanistan’s men’s cricket team until the Taliban permits women to participate in cricket. Approaching the ICC on the eve of International Women’s Day, HRW highlighted their previous requests for the women’s national team, which remain overlooked. Minky Worden, HRW’s director of global initiatives, articulated a demand for immediate action in her letter to Jay Shah, the ICC chairperson.
Despite the absence of a ban on men’s cricket, the Taliban continues to prohibit women from any sporting activities. The HRW’s release emphasises that the Afghan women’s cricket team is eager for recognition and international play. Worden expressed concern over the ICC’s continued support for men while neglecting women’s rights, stating, “The ICC’s silence… shows a disturbing disregard for fundamental human rights.”
Since the Taliban regained control in August 2021, stringent policies have been enacted, restricting women from education, employment, and sports, forcing many athletes into hiding. Disturbingly, some members of the women’s cricket team have even fled the country. Worden urged the ICC to uphold international norms and ensure equal opportunities for women in cricket.
CNN-News18 cites sources associated with the Taliban justifying their stance by asserting a lack of cultural acceptance regarding women in sports, claiming decisions stem from a council of elders in Kandahar. This has hindered any progress towards allowing women to engage in professional activities. Moreover, the ICC’s anti-discrimination stance calls for inclusion across all demographics, yet Afghan women athletes’ appeals for support have gone unanswered. In contrast, the International Olympic Committee has recognised and funded Afghan women athletes abroad for the upcoming Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.
Human Rights Watch urges the ICC to suspend Afghanistan’s men’s cricket team until women can play. Women’s sports are banned under Taliban rule, despite the ICC supporting the men’s team. The HRW highlights ongoing neglect of women’s rights in sports and calls for immediate action. Contrarily, the Taliban claims such decisions stem from cultural beliefs. Afghan women athletes struggle for recognition and support, yet receive no response from the ICC.
In summary, Human Rights Watch’s call for the suspension of Afghanistan’s men’s cricket team underscores a broader ethical dilemma concerning women’s rights in sports amidst Taliban rule. The ICC’s apparent negligence towards the plight of Afghan women cricket players raises critical questions about fair play and equity in sports governance. The need for urgent action is evident as women athletes face severe restrictions, and global sporting bodies are pressed to align with fundamental human rights.
Original Source: www.news18.com
