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Women’s rights matter more than any league, say Afghan cricketers
Afghan women cricketers say overseas players who join the inaugural Afghanistan Premier League risk signalling that the loss of women’s rights in Afghanistan can be ignored. They argue that players had an opportunity to show solidarity with Afghan women and girls, while stressing that their criticism is about human rights, not Afghan men’s cricket.
Women’s participation in sport has been effectively outlawed since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, and many female players fled for safety. Eight English players were selected in the league draft, alongside players from Scotland, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand; the tournament is expected to begin in December in the UAE but has not been sanctioned by the ICC. The ECB and Cricket Australia have refused to schedule bilateral matches with Afghanistan, while the ICC and cricket boards of England, Australia and India have provided funding for the refugee women’s team.
In short
- Afghan women cricketers criticise overseas players joining a new league.
- They say participation risks overlooking women’s rights.
- Eight English players were selected in the draft.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Players should consider whether taking part lends legitimacy to a tournament organised under a governing system that excludes women from sport. With women’s rights effectively outlawed and many Afghan players forced to flee, declining to participate could be a meaningful act of solidarity and help keep their situation in public view.
The case against
Players may argue that competing in a men’s league is not an endorsement of the Taliban or its policies, and that the criticism itself distinguishes human rights from Afghan men’s cricket. Participation could sustain sporting ties and offer a platform for attention, while sanctions or boycotts might have little effect on those in power and could unfairly burden Afghan players and supporters.