Players warn that joining the upcoming franchise tournament sends a damaging message to women suffering under Taliban rule.
Afghan women cricketers have strongly criticized overseas players who recently signed up for the inaugural Afghanistan Premier League, stating that participation ignores ongoing severe human rights abuses, according to information published by BBC.
The men franchise tournament is scheduled to begin in December in the UAE, although it still lacks official sanctioning from the International Cricket Council, while women participation has been banned under Taliban rule since 2021.
Several international athletes, including eight English players drafted recently, chose to join the competition despite warnings from domestic cricket boards, prompting fierce pushback from exiled female athletes.
Impact of Overseas Players on Afghan Women Rights
Nahida Sapan, who captained the Afghanistan Refugee Women XI during a summer tour of England, stated that foreign participants missed a crucial chance to stand in solidarity with millions of oppressed women and girls.
Sapan emphasized that the issue centers on basic human rights rather than opposition to men cricket, noting that foreign athletes could have exerted meaningful pressure on responsible parties.
Despite warnings from the England and Wales Cricket Board urging athletes to reconsider, prominent players like Alex Hales, Moeen Ali, and Tymal Mills secured deals during the recent draft event.
Response from International Cricket Boards and Players
Other notable international participants include Sri Lanka internationals Kusal Perera and Wanindu Hasaranga, Australian batter D'Arcy Short, and Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, expanding the tournament global reach.
Batter Firooza Amiri argued that professional freedom carries a responsibility to understand the underlying systems being supported, drawing a distinction between helping citizens and legitimizing oppressive governance.
Amiri questioned whether the global cricket community will uphold its own values regarding gender equality, especially as the men national team retains full membership despite failing inclusion requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Afghan women cricketers opposing the new league?
Exiled players argue that participating in the tournament without acknowledging the systemic exclusion of women sends a message that their suffering under Taliban rule can be ignored.
Which international players joined the franchise tournament draft?
English players including Alex Hales, Moeen Ali, and Tymal Mills were signed alongside international stars like Shakib Al Hasan and Wanindu Hasaranga.
Has the International Cricket Council sanctioned the new tournament?
The men franchise league, expected to start in December in the UAE, is yet to be officially sanctioned by the International Cricket Council.
What is the stance of the England and Wales Cricket Board?
The England and Wales Cricket Board previously urged players to reconsider their involvement and has refused to schedule bilateral matches with Afghanistan since 2021.
