In a passionate appeal, Human Rights Watch (HRW) urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to support Afghanistan’s women cricketers by suspending Afghanistan from cricket. This plea arises from the severe disregard for women’s rights under Taliban rule, where the majority of the women’s team currently lives in exile in Australia. All forms of women’s sport have been effectively outlawed, leading to a stark contradiction with the ICC’s own membership regulations despite the continuation of the men’s team in competitions such as the ICC Champions Trophy.
Minky Worden, HRW’s director of global initiatives, addressed the ICC chair, Jay Shah. She highlighted the importance of including the women affected by the current regime in decision-making processes, asserting, “They are not giving the women who are affected by the exclusion from sport a seat at the table.” Worden further pointed out that the ICC’s current stance violates both the Olympic Charter and international human rights principles.
As the ICC prepares for the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics, Worden emphasised the necessity for the ICC to stand in solidarity with female athletes rather than the Taliban. She remarked, “It’s not fair to Afghan women and girls who deserve the right to compete,” underscoring that engaging these women is essential to move forward. Recently, exiled Afghan cricketers played an exhibition match, showcasing the hope for a new beginning for Afghan women in cricket.
The letter from HRW marks a significant shift, calling for formal suspension rather than a boycott, which Worden compared to Cold War politics. “We’re not advocating for a boycott. We’re advocating for the rules to be applied equally,” she explained. The Afghanistan Cricket Board’s inability to provide equal opportunities puts it in direct violation of ICC and Olympic rules, further reinforcing the momentum for action against the regime’s policies.
Human Rights Watch has called for the suspension of Afghanistan from cricket due to violations of women’s rights under Taliban control, emphasising that the ICC should advocate for female athletes. Minky Worden highlighted the need for direct engagement with the exiled women’s team and clarified that HRW is not calling for a boycott but rather for adherence to existing rules. This marks a pivotal moment for Afghan women in sports, aiming for systemic change and recognition within the international cricketing community.
Human Rights Watch’s plea to the ICC reveals the critical situation surrounding women’s sports in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. By advocating for the suspension of Afghanistan from cricket, HRW aims to emphasise the need for fair play and representation for female athletes. The ongoing exclusion of women in sports stands in stark contrast to international guidelines, making it imperative for the ICC to act decisively to uphold human rights and inclusion in cricket.
Original Source: www.skysports.com
