Two of Afghanistan’s national sporting heroes have called on the Taliban to reverse a decision to ban women from access to education and medicine, as the international cricket community grapples with how best to deal with human rights concerns in the country.
Afghanistan women’s cricket team escapes 2021 takeover and no longer compete at international level, but the country’s men’s cricket team continues to play and sparked massive celebrations after historic victories over England at last year’s 50-over World Cup and Australia in the T20 version this year.
Team captain Rashid Khan posted on social media on Thursday that women have a “right” to education and should be allowed to train as doctors and nurses.
“It is essential that our sisters and mothers have access to care provided by medical professionals who truly understand their needs,” he said. “Providing education for all is not only a societal responsibility, but a moral obligation deeply rooted in our faith and values.”
Supreme Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada issued an order on Monday to ban women from attending institutions offering medical education. It closed one of the last remaining loopholes for navigating the regime’s ban on education for older girls and women.
All-rounder Mohammad Nabi also posted on Thursday to condemn the move.
“This decision not only harms the future of these girls but also harms the entire country and nation,” he said. “Afghanistan also needs educated women in addition to educated men. Please reverse this decision and let our girls get an education.
Australia’s defeat by Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup in June was one of the rare encounters between the two teams after Cricket Australia opted for stop playing two-sided streaks because of the Taliban’s attitude towards women.
Outgoing ICC chairman Greg Barkley accused CA of hypocrisy this week and backed his organisation’s position to continue allowing Afghanistan men to compete.
“If you really want to make a political statement, don’t play them in the World Cup. Of course, it could cost you a place in the semi-finals, but principles are principles. It’s not about having a half principle,” he said.
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“It would be easy to kick Afghanistan out, but their board has done nothing wrong. They just operate under a decree and a series of laws that say this is what you have to do. I don’t think it will make much of a difference to the ruling party there if he kicks them out.”
CA chairman Mike Baird defended Australia’s approach and highlighted the country’s continued support for the Afghan women cricketers who fled as refugees.
“We’re very proud of the position we’ve taken,” he said. “We’ve drawn a line, taken a stand, and proudly stand where we think we should.”
Baird also confirmed that Afghanistan’s women cricketers in Australia will be officially recognized by CA at an event in January.