As cricket fever sweeps through Afghanistan ahead of the World Cup in India, a stark contrast emerges within the nation.

While cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the tournament, the country’s women cricketers find themselves in a state of limbo abroad.

Since the Taliban’s resurgence in Kabul in August 2021, their strict interpretation of Islam has progressively marginalized Afghan women, forcing them out of public life and dismantling their participation in sports.

In the turbulent days following the Taliban’s return, a significant number of Afghanistan’s national women’s cricket team sought refuge abroad, with many finding solace in Australia.

Their exodus was triggered by threats and intimidation due to their involvement in activities deemed as “dishonorable” by the Taliban.

Promoting women’s cricket was a crucial condition for Afghanistan’s International Cricket Council (ICC) membership.

The ICC, the sport’s governing body, granted Afghanistan full membership in 2017, bolstering their funding and influence in the cricketing world.

However, stringent criteria were imposed to develop women’s cricket in the nation.

An exemption was initially granted, allowing Afghanistan to focus on nurturing women’s cricket with the provision of central contracts for 25 players.

Unfortunately, these advancements have come to a halt under the new Taliban regime.

Debates ensued regarding potential sanctions against Afghanistan, including the revocation of their ICC membership, which would effectively bar the men’s team from international cricket.

Human Rights Watch global initiative director Minky Worden emphasized the need for the ICC to address the Taliban’s violations of its anti-discrimination policy.

Australia decided to cancel a scheduled 50-over series against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates in January, citing the Taliban’s restrictions on women’s rights.

However, Cricket Australia has been the only full ICC member to take such a stance.

The ICC, through an Aghanistan-focused working group, has determined that the Taliban authorities are not interfering with the national cricket board.

An ICC spokesperson stressed that they will not penalize the ACB or its players for complying with their government’s laws.

The ICC is committed to leveraging its influence to support cricket development and opportunities for both men and women in Afghanistan