The International Cricket Council (ICC) is under growing pressure to suspend Afghanistan’s cricket participation following allegations of women’s rights abuses under Taliban rule.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called for the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) to be barred from international cricket until women and girls are allowed to engage in sports and education once again.
In a letter to ICC Secretary Jay Shah, HRW emphasized the need for the council to adopt a human rights policy aligned with United Nations guidelines.
The appeal, coinciding with the Champions Trophy final in Dubai, also highlighted that the Taliban’s actions violate the Olympic Charter, which guarantees the right to sport as a human right.
HRW also pointed out that Afghanistan’s men’s team continues to receive support, while the women’s team has been sidelined.
This comes as Afghanistan’s ban on women’s sports forces some cricketers into hiding. The ICC, while committed to supporting Afghanistan’s cricket development, has acknowledged the challenges faced by female cricketers, including those in exile.
However, HRW’s call for action has garnered backing from the England and Wales Cricket Board, further intensifying pressure on the ICC.