In a powerful plea, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to support Afghanistan’s women cricketers by suspending the country from international cricket. This call, dated March 7, 2025, follows the drastic erosion of women’s rights under the Taliban regime, which has effectively outlawed women’s participation in all sports, forcing many cricketers into exile in Australia.
HRW’s director of global initiatives, Minky Worden, highlighted that Afghanistan’s situation violates ICC membership rules. While the men’s team continues to compete—including in prestigious tournaments like the ICC Champions Trophy—the plight of women athletes remains ignored. Worden emphasised the need for the ICC to involve the affected women, stating that excluding them from discussions violates principles of international human rights.
Stressing that it is the Taliban, not the ICC, who have excluded women, Worden insisted the council must take a stance supporting female athletes. The ICC’s neutrality not only isolates it within the global sporting community but is also unjust towards Afghan women and girls who crave the opportunity to play.
In a historical context, exiled women cricketers recently participated in their first match since Taliban control, playing against Cricket Without Borders in a hopeful step towards reclaiming their place in the sport. HRW has called this unprecedented request for suspension ahead of a potential boycott, clarifying that suspension is a just consequence for the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), which has breached ICC’s non-discrimination regulations.
Worden distinguished a suspension from a boycott, stating a suspension applies when an organization like the ACB fails to uphold necessary standards, notably in light of the upcoming 2028 Olympics, where cricket will be featured. By upholding fair play and human rights, HRW implores the ICC to stand resolutely with the women of Afghanistan, ensuring their right to compete is acknowledged and protected.
Human Rights Watch has called for the ICC to suspend Afghanistan from cricket due to the oppressive regime’s violation of women’s rights. As women cricketers are sidelined, HRW urges the ICC to support them instead of the Taliban, advocating for engagement with these athletes. Notably, the letter highlights the significance of inclusion as Afghanistan’s women’s team emerges from exile to represent their country.
Human Rights Watch’s call for the ICC to suspend Afghanistan from cricket highlights the urgent need for recognition and support of women’s rights under the Taliban regime. By advocating for fair treatment and inclusion of exiled cricketers, the ICC is urged to align with global human rights standards. The ongoing struggle of Afghan women athletes exemplifies the deeper societal challenge of gender equality in sports, making it vital for international governing bodies to take a stand.
Original Source: www.skysports.com
