Women’s rights activists have called for England’s men’s cricket team to forfeit their scheduled match against Afghanistan in the ICC Champions Trophy group stage on February 26. The demand follows the Taliban’s “systematic oppression” of women since seizing control of Afghanistan in August 2021.
The Women’s Rights Network (WRN) released a statement on Monday urging England to not only forgo the February match but also to boycott all sporting competitions against Afghanistan’s national teams.
The WRN’s statement called for action from the UK government, sports authorities, and individual players. The group wrote, “Pride in the team shirt includes pride in your country’s record on standing up for human rights and against dictators who bask in the kudos of sporting success. What is happening to the women of Afghanistan is appalling. Any sportsman of conscience should do what is right: Boycott Afghanistan.”
The WRN also urged UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to endorse a full boycott of Afghanistan in all sports. “Players and coaches must examine their consciences,” the statement continued. “How can you in all conscience play a country that denies women their basic human rights?”
Since the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul on August 15, 2021, women’s rights in Afghanistan have significantly deteriorated. The regime has imposed a strict interpretation of Sharia law that severely limits women’s movements, education, and roles in public life.
Women are prohibited from leaving their homes without a male relative, must wear full veils in public, and are banned from singing, reciting, or speaking publicly. Secondary and higher education for women has been entirely banned since 2022, with only limited online courses available as women are not permitted to take exams.
In August 2024, Taliban leaders introduced a law banning women’s voices and faces from public spaces, citing the promotion of virtue as the rationale.
The United Nations has raised serious concerns about the Taliban’s policies. Fiona Frazer, head of the UN’s human rights service in Afghanistan, stated in July, “The de facto authorities’ increasing and expanding oversight gives cause for significant concern for all Afghans, especially women and girls.”
England’s cricket team has not yet responded to the WRN’s request, and it remains uncertain whether the February match will take place as planned.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff