Knight Urges ICC to Assist Overlooked Afghanistan Players

Heather Knight Advocates for Afghanistan Women's Cricket Team

England captain Heather Knight has voiced concerns over the Afghanistan women's cricket team and the lack of support from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Current Situation

Female participation in sports in Afghanistan has been severely impacted since the Taliban regained power in 2021. Over 20 members of the women's cricket team sought refuge in Australia and requested to play as a refugee team under the ICC.

Recent calls from UK politicians to boycott the Champions Trophy match between England and Afghanistan have brought further attention to the issue. Knight acknowledges the complexity of the situation but emphasizes the importance of giving the Afghan women's team a platform.

Support Needed

Heather Knight expressed her desire to meet with members of the Afghanistan women's team during the women's Ashes series in Australia. She highlighted the remarkable journey of these players and the need to raise awareness about their situation.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has also urged the ICC to take action, with CEO Richard Gould advocating for the reinstatement of women's cricket in Afghanistan. Knight emphasized the importance of support and leadership from the top level of the game.

ICC's Role

The ICC has established a working group to address the situation in Afghanistan and collaborate with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) to promote cricket development in the country. The governing body aims to provide playing opportunities for both men and women in Afghanistan.

While bilateral matches are organized by individual cricket boards, tournaments like the Champions Trophy are overseen by the ICC. Despite calls for boycotts, Afghanistan is set to participate in scheduled matches, emphasizing the need for ongoing support and engagement.

In Conclusion

Heather Knight's advocacy for the Afghanistan women's cricket team sheds light on the challenges they face and the importance of international support. The cricket community, including the ICC and individual cricket boards, plays a crucial role in promoting gender equality and providing opportunities for female players worldwide.