(By/ Ireshan Siriwardhana)
There has been ongoing discussion within the international cricket community regarding the potential removal of Afghanistan’s full ICC membership and Test mandate.
Notably, Australia has been at the forefront of these discussions and has taken proactive steps in this regard.
The relationship between Australia and Afghanistan has been marked by off-field rivalry in recent times.
Australia has shown a reluctance to allocate matches to Afghanistan, indicative of the underlying tensions between the two cricketing nations.
Moreover, Australia has taken a firm stance against the alleged human rights violations by the Afghan government.
In response, Australia decided to cancel a scheduled tournament involving Afghanistan, mirroring their past boycott of the tour of Sri Lanka during the 1996 World Cup.
Subsequently, in protest of Australia’s decision, the highly regarded Afghan player Rashid Khan opted to boycott playing in Australia’s Big Bash League, thus further illustrating the impact of these disputes on the global cricketing community.
Australia has problems with Afghanistan
In light of the developments, the Australian Cricket Board is currently contemplating the prospect of putting forth a proposal to the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the potential cancellation of the Afghan team’s full ICC membership.
This deliberation stems from the disbandment of the women’s cricket team by the new Afghan regime.
Following the rise to power of an extremist organisation in 2021, a series of stringent laws were implemented in Afghanistan, with severe restrictions imposed on women’s freedoms, prohibiting them from engaging in activities such as playing sports, singing, or even venturing out alone.
Significantly, these oppressive measures led to the disbandment of the Afghan women’s cricket team, prompting several female players to seek political asylum in Australia.
The Australian response to this humanitarian crisis has been notable, as Australia not only provided refuge to these players but also facilitated their participation in the nation’s women’s leagues, thereby exemplifying a strong stance in support of women’s rights.
Consequently, Australia has taken on the mantle of advocating for gender equity and empowerment within the realm of cricket, positioning itself in opposition to the Afghan Cricket Association within the ICC.
A women’s team is essential for ICC membership
According to the regulations of the International Cricket Council (ICC), a country is required to have a women’s cricket team in order to attain full membership status.
Interestingly, Afghanistan stands out as the solitary ICC full member country without a women’s cricket team.
This unique situation has prompted strong objections from Australia and other women’s rights organisations against Afghanistan.
The inception of a women’s cricket group in Afghanistan in 2010 was influenced by the ICC. However, this team’s participation was limited to just one tournament.
The country’s cricket authorities faced pressure from extremist factions, leading to efforts to halt the Afghan women’s team.
This move risked Afghanistan’s full ICC membership and Test status. In response to robust opposition from the ICC, the country’s cricket governing bodies reintroduced a national squad consisting of 25 female players in 2020.
Unfortunately, with a change in leadership in 2021, the Afghan women’s group was disbanded once again.
Consequently, the players from the disbanded team sought refuge in Australia. This complex situation implies that Afghanistan is technically unable to maintain its full membership and test status within the ICC.
Notably, the International Cricket Council has incorporated numerous changes, including those aimed at providing equal opportunities for all.
This has significantly impacted women’s cricket, allowing for expanded rights and opportunities. The situation saw some stabilisation following India’s assumption of control within the ICC.
Women’s rights will be influenced by conventions
“Thus, Australia and other human rights and women’s rights organisations will start an internal battle against Afghanistan’s ICC membership.
That fight is technically winnable. However, despite such influence, Afghanistan will not start a women’s cricket team for two reasons.
The first is that, even if Afghanistan abandons cricket under the new extremist regime, they cannot give women the right to play.
The latter is currently maintaining a good relationship with the Afghanistan Cricket Board and the Indian Cricket Board. Whatever fight Australia or anyone else starts, the final decision does not rest with them, but on India.
Therefore, Afghanistan is not trying to start a women’s cricket team, because they know that until India protects them, no one can revoke Afghanistan’s ICC membership, no matter what condition is violated.
However, there is no doubt that many political organisations beyond cricket are interfering in this battle within the ICC, and this is news that will spread beyond the cricket world.”
