Afghan women cricketers criticize foreign players joining men's league
Female cricketers say league participation ignores women's rights issues in Afghanistan.
By Spark News Desk · · Canada, United Kingdom, Europe
Afghan women's cricketers have criticized foreign players joining the inaugural Afghanistan Premier League, saying it sends a message that Afghan women's rights can be ignored. Many female players fled the country after the Taliban's return to power in 2021, which effectively banned women's sports.
Nahida Sapan, a former captain of the Afghanistan Refugee Women's XI, said foreign players had a chance to support Afghan women by choosing not to participate. She emphasized that this was not about opposing men's cricket but about defending basic human rights.
Despite the criticism, eight English players and others from Scotland, Ireland, and New Zealand signed with the league. The tournament is set to begin in December in the UAE but has not yet received ICC approval.
Why it matters
The league's foreign participation may undermine efforts to highlight women's rights in Afghanistan. Afghan women's cricketers argue that their voices and struggles are being overlooked.
Sources
- Women's rights matter more than any league, say Afghan cricketers — BBC Sport
- Yaxel Lendeborg is the NBA’s most entertaining rookie – and he’s not holding back — The Guardian
Written by the Spark News Desk with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. See our editorial policy. Spotted an error? Tell us.