Rashid Khan Advocates for Afghanistan’s Women’s Cricket Team Development

Rashid Khan, a prominent figure in Afghan cricket, recently expressed his hope for the development of a women’s cricket team in Afghanistan. While acknowledging his desire, he emphasized that the decision ultimately rests with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Advocacy for Women in Cricket

This marks Rashid’s first public statement supporting a women’s cricket team. Previously, he has advocated for women’s rights to education amid stringent restrictions imposed by the Taliban regime. The Taliban has curtailed women’s participation in public life, raising concerns about their rights and representation in sports.

Current Circumstances and Historical Context

During a press event ahead of Afghanistan’s T20 World Cup match against New Zealand in Chennai, Rashid was questioned about his position as a leading ambassador for Afghan cricket. He responded affirmative about the need for a women’s team, indicating that such development is essential for Afghanistan to fulfill its status as a Full Member of the ICC.

• In 2017, Afghanistan was granted Full Membership with an implicit commitment to develop a women’s cricket program.
• In 2020, ACB awarded contracts to 25 women players and planned a tour to Oman, but those plans fell through due to the Taliban’s resurgence in 2021.
• Many of the contracted players sought asylum, with most relocating to Australia, where they continue to advocate for recognition and support.

Calls for Action from Male Players

Last year, Afghan female players urged their male counterparts to use their influence to support women’s rights and cricket. Rashid, alongside other prominent players like Mohammad Nabi and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, has previously endorsed women’s education initiatives.

Hashmatullah Shahidi also publicly backed the idea of Afghanistan’s women playing cricket, highlighting the complex dynamics within the country’s current governance.

Voices From Exiled Athletes

Firooza Afghan, an exiled female cricketer, criticized the ICC for granting Afghanistan Full Membership in 2017 without a women’s team. She stressed that such a decision significantly harmed women’s cricket in the nation.

Firooza noted that while players like Rashid cannot single-handedly influence the ACB or ICC, they can still play a crucial role in advocating for women’s representation and rights.

The Role of Players in Promoting Women’s Cricket

She emphasized the responsibility of male players as representatives of the nation. Their advocacy for women’s rights is crucial for forming a more inclusive sports community in Afghanistan.

According to Firooza, silence from prominent athletes in the face of injustice can be interpreted as complicity. Active support for women’s cricket goes beyond official regulations; it demands concerted efforts from all involved in the sport.

Future Directions and Support Initiatives

Outside Afghanistan, initiatives are underway to assist female cricketers in exile. Collaborations with the ICC aim to provide support and recognition to these athletes. Some players attended last year’s Women’s ODI World Cup and participated in training camps organized by Pitch Our Vision.

Afghanistan’s women’s team cannot compete under the national flag without official recognition from the ACB and ICC. Currently, Australia and England refuse to engage Afghanistan in bilateral matches due to the country’s treatment of women, yet they do play in ICC tournaments.

Rashid Khan’s recent advocacy highlights a growing recognition of the need for a women’s cricket team in Afghanistan, reflecting broader struggles for women’s rights within the country.