Afghan Women Cricketers Call for Support Amid Taliban Restrictions

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Afghan women cricketers are urging the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take a firmer stance against the Taliban, who have banned women's sports in Afghanistan. This plea comes as over 160 British politicians are advocating for the England men's cricket team to boycott their upcoming game against Afghanistan in light of deteriorating women's rights.

Currently, 25 female players, who were set to train for international representation in 2020, are now living in exile in Australia following the Taliban's takeover in 2021. One of these players, Firooza Amiri, expressed her heartbreak over her family's situation back home, where women face significant obstacles such as a lack of education and forced marriages.

Amiri criticized the ICC for its lack of engagement and support for Afghan women cricketers, claiming that their decisions have been unjust and that the voices of female players have been ignored. She emphasized the desire of these players to represent Afghanistan, whether as a team or individually, and the importance of providing hope to women in their home country.

In response to the growing calls for action, an ICC spokesperson stated that the organization remains engaged with the situation in Afghanistan and is committed to fostering cricket development for both men and women. However, the future of women's cricket in Afghanistan remains uncertain as the ICC has yet to respond to the players’ demands adequately.

As the political pressure mounts, the fate of an upcoming match between England and Afghanistan becomes a focal point for discussions surrounding women's rights and sports in Afghanistan.

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