Human Rights Watch Calls for ICC to Suspend Afghanistan's Membership Over Gender Discrimination

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to suspend Afghanistan’s membership, citing the Taliban’s restrictions on women’s education and participation in sports. HRW argues that these actions violate the principles of equality and non-discrimination upheld by the ICC.

Since the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, women’s opportunities in education, employment, mobility, and sports have been severely restricted. Most notably, women have been banned from participating in cricket, which goes against the ICC's own anti-discrimination policies.

In response to this situation, HRW has requested that the ICC recognize Afghanistan's women’s national cricket team, provide them with training and competition opportunities, and offer financial support from the ICC. Furthermore, HRW has advised the ICC to adopt a human rights policy based on the United Nations' Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

In an email to the ICC, HRW wrote, "We are requesting that the International Cricket Council (ICC) suspend Afghanistan’s membership and prohibit the country from participating in international cricket until women and girls are once again able to access education and participate in sports. We also urge the ICC to implement a human rights policy in line with the United Nations’ Business and Human Rights Guidelines."

The email further stated, "The ICC should follow the lead of other sports governing bodies, such as the International Olympic Committee, and take action to include Afghan women and girls in sports, reaffirming its commitment to human rights frameworks."

HRW’s call highlights the ongoing global discussion regarding the intersection of sports and human rights, urging governing bodies to take a strong stance against gender discrimination.