Afghanistan’s Cricket Captain Voices Support for Women’s Rights
Afghanistan’s cricket captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, has expressed his support for women’s right to play cricket in his country, despite the ongoing challenges posed by the Taliban regime. Speaking ahead of Afghanistan’s training session for their Champions Trophy match against England in Lahore, Shahidi emphasized the importance of focusing on cricket itself. "Everyone likes to see everyone play," Shahidi said, adding that political issues are beyond the control of athletes. "When it comes to politics and those things which we cannot control, we are only cricket players. We can control things inside the ground."
Political Pressure and the ECB’s Decision
The match against England has gained significant political traction due to the Taliban’s ban on women playing cricket. Over 160 UK politicians, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urged the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to boycott the fixture in protest. Starmer called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to "enforce their own rules," but the ECB ultimately decided to proceed with the game. Shahidi’s stance reflects a balance between acknowledging the political and social issues and focusing on the sport. "We are sportspersons," he said. "We control what we can do inside the ground and we can’t worry about what’s happening out of the ground. We play hard, we work hard, we have good net sessions. So that’s what we’re thinking of."
High-Profile Support for Women’s Rights
Shahidi’s comments align with the positions of other high-profile Afghan cricketers. Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi have been particularly vocal in recent months, speaking out against the Taliban’s restrictions on women in various fields, including cricket. Khan and Nabi addressed the issue after women were banned from training as doctors, highlighting the broader implications of such policies. Shahidi’s guarded but supportive statement further underscores the difficult position these athletes find themselves in, balancing their love for the game with the realities of their country’s political climate.
England’s Perspective on the Match
England’s captain, Jos Buttler, addressed the situation during a pre-match press conference. "We’re very saddened at the plight of women and girls in Afghanistan at the moment, and the struggles they are facing," he said. "Credit to Rob Key and the ECB. They’ve been very good at supporting me and all the players, and giving us information and education around this, and making it an ECB decision." Despite the heavy backdrop, Buttler hopes the game can serve as a source of hope and enjoyment. "Sport has a great power to unite people and give hope, and that’s what we hope this game will do."
The Tricky Position of Afghan Cricketers
Afghanistan’s head coach, former England batter Jonathan Trott, shed light on the challenging position the Afghan cricketers are in. "These guys are brave," Trott told the BBC. "They know the difference between right and wrong. It is a real tricky situation for them. They know who they are playing for and representing. We work hard to bring joy to the country, and the guys are passionate, brave, and proud of being able to do that, but knowing full well that there are things that are not correct." Trott’s words highlight the internal conflict these athletes face, balancing their roles as national ambassadors with their personal beliefs and the realities of their homeland.
Match Preview and Strategic Insights
The match between Afghanistan and England is crucial for both teams, with a loss likely to push them to the brink of elimination. Afghanistan lost their opening game to South Africa, while England suffered a defeat against Australia. Shahidi acknowledged that chasing totals is not their strongest suit but noted the pitch conditions in Karachi did not favor their spin bowlers. "When we bat first, that gives us more of a chance," he said. "But at the same time, we beat teams in the last World Cup also, batting second. In the South Africa game, the wicket was a bit more supportive for fast bowling, and our spinners didn’t get any support. We didn’t play well, especially in batting, and our spinners need more support. Hopefully, we’ll have some support in tomorrow’s game."
