Heather Knight Urges Support for Afghanistan Women’s Cricket Team
A Call for Recognition
Heather Knight, the captain of the England Women’s cricket team, has passionately appealed to the cricket community to recognize and support the Afghanistan women’s cricket team. Her comments come in light of recent concerns that this group has been overlooked, only receiving attention due to the controversy surrounding the England men’s team’s upcoming match against Afghanistan during the Champions Trophy.
Upcoming Matches and Political Pressure
England is set to face Afghanistan in Lahore on February 26 in the tournament’s second match. In response to the situation, UK politicians have urged the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to contemplate boycotting the match. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould have both called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take a firm stance on the matter.
The Impact of the Taliban’s Return
Since the Taliban regained power in 2021, women’s cricket in Afghanistan has effectively been banned, along with severe restrictions that prevent women’s voices from being heard in public spaces.
The Journey of Exiled Players
Before the Taliban’s takeover, approximately 22 women who were contracted by the Afghanistan Cricket Board managed to flee to Australia. These players are currently residing in Melbourne and Canberra. A select number of them are set to compete for an Afghanistan Women’s XI against a Cricket Without Borders XI in a T20 match at Junction Oval on January 30. This match coincides with the start of the Women’s Ashes day-night Test between England and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Meeting with Exiled Players
As part of her commitment to raising awareness, Knight plans to connect with the exiled players based in Melbourne during the second Ashes ODI at Junction Oval on Tuesday.
Spreading the Word
Knight expressed her gratitude for the renewed attention surrounding the plight of Afghanistan’s women cricketers. "It’s wonderful to see that people are discussing this issue again, as it has been quite forgotten, which is disheartening," she stated. "While the situation is indeed complicated, the most significant positive is that this group of women is finally being acknowledged."
Knight emphasized the importance of broadcasting the upcoming T20 match. "These women will be playing cricket at Junction Oval on the same day as our Test match, and I would love for that to gain widespread attention. Let’s amplify their voices and showcase their passion for the sport, as it serves as a powerful message amidst a heartbreaking situation in their homeland."
