ICC Under Fire: Human Rights Watch Demands Action Against Afghanistan Cricket Board Over Womens Rights Abuse

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is facing mounting pressure to take action against the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) over the Taliban's ban on women's cricket. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has written to ICC Chairman Jay Shah, urging the suspension of Afghanistan's membership and implementation of a human rights policy based on the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The letter highlights the Taliban's severe violation of the Olympic Charter's guarantee that "the practice of sport is a human right."

The inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games has brought the issue to the forefront. Minky Worden, Director of Global Initiatives at HRW, reminded the ICC chairman that the Taliban's ban on women's sports is a direct violation of the Olympic Charter and the International Olympic Committee's Strategic Framework on Human Rights. The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights require remedy for gender-based discrimination in the workplace, further emphasizing the need for ICC action.

The ICC has previously pledged commitment to women's cricket, with Chairman Jay Shah stating that the organization is "committed to supporting cricket development through the Afghanistan Cricket Board while recognising the challenges facing Afghan women's cricket." However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has sought action against the Afghan board, and HRW's letter has added to the growing pressure on the ICC to take decisive action. As the Champions Trophy final approaches, the cricket world waits with bated breath for the ICC's response to this critical issue.