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ICC faces growing pressure over Afghanistan cricket dilemma

Afghanistan cricket

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is under increasing pressure to address Afghanistan cricket controversy. Once celebrated as a success story, Afghanistan’s cricket journey now faces scrutiny due to the Taliban’s suppression of women’s rights.

To escalate the matter, calls for England and South Africa to boycott Champions Trophy matches against Afghanistan have gained momentum. Afghanistan’s debut in the men’s 50-over tournament, highlighting their rapid rise, contrasts with the disbanding of their women’s team.

Back in 2020, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) had 25 contracted women players. However, after the Taliban took control in August 2021, most sought refuge in Australia. Since then, the Taliban has imposed severe restrictions on women, denying them education, work opportunities, and public freedoms.

In a passionate statement, Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi expressed her concerns. “Where’s the hope for women who want to play sport, go to school, or work?” she questioned, calling the situation “sex-apartheid.”

Meanwhile, despite growing criticism, the English and South African cricket boards have refused to boycott Afghanistan matches. Instead, they are urging the ICC to take decisive action. In response, an ICC spokesperson confirmed their commitment to supporting the ACB and fostering cricket development for men and women. Additionally, a task force led by ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja is actively discussing the matter.

Afghan cricket stars Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi have also condemned the Taliban’s policies. Rashid described the denial of education to women as “deeply unjust.” Similarly, Nabi called it a “betrayal” of the nation’s future. Both emphasized that education is vital for Afghanistan’s progress.

Despite the challenges, Afghanistan’s men’s team continues to achieve remarkable success. Notably, they finished sixth in the 2023 ODI World Cup, defeating powerhouses like England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

While some suggest banning Afghanistan from international cricket, others argue it would be counterproductive. Many believe that athletes should not be punished for government actions.

Afghanistan will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against South Africa in Karachi on February 21. Meanwhile, the ICC faces mounting pressure to carefully address this sensitive and complex issue.

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