Sky News’ sports section has reported that since regaining power, the interim government has not only banned women from education, parks, and offices but has also prohibited them from participating in sports. Some female athletes were forced to burn their sports uniforms to avoid being identified.
The report states that after the current government’s resurgence, the Afghanistan women’s cricket team left the country and sought refuge in Pakistan. They later received emergency visas for Australia, and most of them now live in that country; however, after three years, their situation remains unchanged, and according to Sky News, they have become disillusioned with the international community.
Furthermore, Amnesty International has called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to pay attention to the status of the women’s cricket team and urged them to continue supporting this team.
Previously, Stephen Cockburn, the head of economic and social justice at Amnesty International, stated: “The Afghanistan women’s cricket team is a symbol of the women of this country, and the international cricket community owes these pioneering athletes the support they deserve. This support could send a strong message about the global consensus condemning the horrific treatment of these women.”
He added that while the ICC has rightly committed to anti-discrimination values, it must cease ignoring the brave Afghanistan women’s team and provide them with appropriate support and recognition.
This comes after the chairman of the International Cricket Council stated in November 2021 that the council is committed to supporting the development of both men’s and women’s cricket in Afghanistan.
It is worth mentioning that this is not the first time such a request has been made by human rights organizations. Human Rights Watch also described the situation of women under the current government as “a form of gender apartheid” in 2023.
