HRW urges ICC to suspend Afghanistan cricket over women's rights violations

Human Rights Watch (HRW) is urging the International Cricket Council (ICC) to suspend Afghanistan's cricket board due to the Taliban's ban on women's participation in sports and education. In a letter to ICC Chairman Jay Shah, HRW highlighted that this prohibition violates the Olympic Charter and the ICC's own anti-discrimination policies. The organization emphasized that while the men's team receives support, the women's team is effectively erased, which is a blatant disregard for fundamental human rights. HRW pointed out that cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics makes the need for action even more pressing. The letter coincides with the ICC Champions Trophy final, amplifying the call for accountability. HRW also urged the ICC to align its policies with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.