ICC Under Pressure Over Afghanistan Women's Rights

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) conference on 'Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities,' hosted by Pakistan, highlighted the Taliban's absence despite an invitation, raising concerns among activists and diplomats about the group's stance on women's rights in Afghanistan. Speakers, including Malala Yousafzai, condemned the Taliban's gender apartheid, stressing the need for equal educational opportunities for girls. Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) faces pressures regarding Afghanistan's participation in the Champions Trophy due to the Taliban's severe restrictions on women's rights, including the disbanding of the women's cricket team. Calls for a boycott of matches against Afghanistan have emerged, but England and South Africa have deferred to the ICC for a unified response. The ICC aims to support the Afghanistan Cricket Board in fostering cricket development for both men and women while navigating this complex issue. As global scrutiny increases, the Taliban's policies continue to draw condemnation for their impact on women's rights and education.