Human Rights Watch has called for the International Cricket Council (ICC) to suspend Afghanistan’s membership, citing the Taliban’s oppressive regime as a barrier to women and girls’ rights, especially their access to education and sport. An email to ICC chair Jay Shah, made public on March 7, urged the ban until such rights are restored, emphasising that this action should be part of a broader commitment to human rights in cricket.
The organisation highlighted the need for the ICC to adopt a human rights policy aligned with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and referenced the ICC’s promise to support women’s cricket. However, since the Taliban regained control in August 2021, a restrictive environment has been imposed, denying women and girls fundamental rights including freedom of movement, employment, and education beyond sixth grade.
Moreover, Human Rights Watch pointed out that, despite suspending financial support for the women’s team in 2021, the men’s team continues to receive assistance, contradicting ICC’s anti-discrimination policy. They argued that the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is non-compliant with the policy by failing to allow women to participate in cricket.
The email further stressed that cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games extends a profound human right to practice sport, which is violated by the Taliban’s restrictive policies. After the Taliban’s resurgence, women have been largely excluded from public life, including sports, which affects their overall rights to life and health.
Amidst a backdrop of pressure on cricket governing bodies, former Afghanistan women’s team members have sought recognition as a refugee team and have played exhibition matches abroad. The dynamics of boycotting the men’s team remain complex, with some ex-players believing that their male counterparts give hope to women’s rights in Afghanistan.
Human Rights Watch has urged the ICC to respond to critical inquiries regarding its human rights policy, the recognition of the exiled women’s team, and actions to promote female participation in cricket competitions. The conclusion of the email called on the ICC to emulate other governing bodies like the International Olympic Committee by advocating for the inclusion of Afghan women in sports and adopting a supportive human rights framework.
Human Rights Watch has urged the ICC to suspend Afghanistan’s membership due to the Taliban’s restrictions on women’s rights. They advocate for a human rights policy aligned with the UN standards and highlight financial disparities between men’s and women’s teams. This call for action reflects the ongoing struggle for women’s rights, particularly in sports, within a repressive regime.
In conclusion, Human Rights Watch’s appeal to the ICC highlights the profound impact of the Taliban’s regime on Afghan women’s rights, particularly in education and sport. The imposition of restrictive laws calls for an immediate response from the ICC to uphold human rights principles within international cricket. This pressing issue not only challenges the status of Afghan cricket but also embodies the broader struggle for women’s rights in oppressive regimes globally.
Original Source: www.espncricinfo.com
