Pressure is mounting on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take action against Afghanistan regarding the violation of women’s rights in the country. Human Rights Watch (HRW), a global organization focused on human rights advocacy, has appealed to the ICC to suspend the membership of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB).
In a letter addressed to Jay Shah on Friday, March 7th, HRW stated, ‘We are writing to urge the International Cricket Council (ICC) to suspend Taliban-run Afghanistan from ICC membership, and from participating in international cricket, until women and girls are once again allowed to participate in education and sports within the country. We also urge the ICC to adopt a human rights policy based on the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.’
This letter was sent just before the Champions Trophy final in Dubai. Minky Worden, Director of Global Initiatives at Human Rights Watch, emphasized to the ICC chairman that the Taliban’s prohibition on women’s rights is a breach of the Olympic charter, especially as cricket is set to be included in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
‘We want to point out that cricket’s inclusion as a sport in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games makes the Taliban’s ban on women and girls in the sport a serious infringement of the Olympic Charter’s guarantee that ‘the practice of sport is a human right.’ The International Olympic Committee’s Strategic Framework on Human Rights requires all international sports federations to implement ‘equality and non-discrimination.’ Furthermore, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights necessitate addressing gender-based discrimination in workplaces,’ the letter elaborated.
Currently, the Taliban has imposed a ban on all sports for women and girls. Reportedly, some Afghan women cricketers are currently in hiding in Australia.
HRW further stated, ‘This unequal treatment, where the Afghan Men’s National Cricket Team receives funding and logistical support while the Women’s National Team does not, appears to contravene both the Olympic Charter and the ICC’s own anti-discrimination regulations. Back in October 1999, during the Taliban’s previous period in power, the International Olympic Committee suspended Afghanistan’s National Olympic Committee until 2003 because the Taliban was preventing women from participating in sports.’
Cricbuzz sought a response from the ICC. Previously, Shah affirmed his dedication to women’s cricket, telling the BBC recently, ‘We are dedicated to supporting cricket development through the Afghanistan Cricket Board while acknowledging the challenges facing Afghan women’s cricket, including the concerns of players living in exile.’
The BBC also quoted him as saying, ‘The ICC is also examining certain communications regarding Afghanistan women’s cricket and exploring ways to support them within the ICC’s legal and constitutional framework. Our priority is constructive dialogue and practical solutions that protect the best interests of all Afghan cricketers.’
Earlier, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), an ICC member, also called for action against the Afghan board.
