The South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) has expressed its support for promoting women’s participation in cricket ahead of South Africa’s three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in Sharjah. This is the first bilateral series between the two nations, taking place outside the Future Tours Programme (FTP), offering both teams valuable match experience. However, concerns have been raised regarding the absence of a women’s cricket team in Afghanistan due to restrictions imposed under the Taliban government.
In a statement released ahead of the series, SACA highlighted the deteriorating human rights situation for women in Afghanistan. They emphasized the importance of equality and opportunities in sports for all genders. SACA stated, “We cannot condone any situation in which women are excluded from competing in our sport,” calling on Cricket South Africa (CSA) to use the series as a platform to promote women’s rights in Afghanistan.
Concerns Over Afghanistan’s Women’s Cricket Situation
Afghanistan remains the only ICC Full Member without a women’s team.
The Taliban’s strict policies on women have made it impossible for the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) to establish a national team for women.
Andrew Breetzke, CEO of SACA and a member of the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA), reiterated the need for gender equality in sports, stating that every athlete has the right to pursue sports free from discrimination and violence.
Breetzke called for international efforts to protect the rights of Afghan women in cricket, stressing the need for a long-term solution.
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The International Cricket Council (ICC) continues to hold discussions on how to address the situation, including the idea of forming a refugee women’s team based in Australia.
Future of Bilateral Relations and CSA’s Role
While some countries, like Australia, have taken a stand by postponing bilateral matches with Afghanistan, South Africa has opted to play the series.
Rob Walter, South Africa’s white-ball coach, stated that decisions regarding the fixtures were made by CSA.
However, SACA’s call for action highlights that cricket can serve as a tool for promoting equality and advocating for women’s rights worldwide.
The three-match ODI series between South Africa and Afghanistan is set to begin next Wednesday in Sharjah, followed by South Africa’s white-ball matches against Ireland in Abu Dhabi.
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