ICC Urged to Take Action on Women's Cricket in Afghanistan

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is under pressure to take action against Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) for its abuse of women's rights in the country. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged the ICC to suspend ACB's membership and participation in international cricket until women and girls can participate in education and sport without restrictions.

The letter, written to ICC Chairman Jay Shah, highlights the Taliban's ban on women's participation in sports, including cricket, and the disparate treatment of the men's and women's national teams. HRW also urges the ICC to implement a human rights policy based on the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

The letter comes ahead of the Champions Trophy final in Dubai and coincides with the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. HRW Director Minky Worden reminds the ICC that the Olympic Charter guarantees the right to practice sport, and the International Olympic Committee's Strategic Framework on Human Rights requires equality and non-discrimination.

The Taliban's ban on women's sports has forced some Afghan women cricketers to flee to Australia. HRW notes that the Afghan Men's National Cricket Team receives financial and logistical support, while the Women's National Team does not, violating the Olympic Charter and ICC's anti-discrimination rules.

The ICC has been approached for a response, but has not commented publicly. ICC Chairman Jay Shah has previously pledged commitment to women's cricket, but HRW is urging the ICC to take concrete action to support Afghan women's cricket.

Background

In October 1999, the International Olympic Committee suspended Afghanistan's National Olympic Committee due to the Taliban's ban on women's participation in sports. The ICC is also reviewing communications concerning Afghanistan women's cricket and exploring ways to support them within its legal and constitutional framework.