Afghanistan Women Will Continue To Play Cricket: ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) chairman Mirwais Ashraf has announced that women in their country will continue to play cricket. The decision comes after ICC had appointed a workgroup to monitor the situation of Afghanistan cricket. 

Since the Taliban has taken over control in Afghanistan, the concern for women cricketers participation has been in the limelight. Taliban officials are very reluctant not to allow women to play sports as it goes against the extreme Islamist laws. 

There was a massive backlash for barring Afghanistan women from playing cricket, and Cricket Australia also postponed the only Test against Afghanistan.

Women’s cricket is one of the major requirements of the ICC: Mirwais Ashraf

Under ICC rules, a Test-playing nation must have its women and U-19 teams to get the status of a full-time member.

Former Afghanistan all-rounder Mirwais Ashraf, who was recently appointed as the chairman of ACB, said that the Afghanistan women’s team will be playing regularly.

“Women’s cricket is one of the major requirements of the ICC. Therefore, it is committed to obtaining it,” said Ashraf, as quoted by Cricwick.

 “Our girls will be playing cricket on a normal basis, and we are looking to provide for their basic needs and all the facilities they need. Every employee must stay committed to the ACB and must strive hard to do well in their own areas,” he added.

ICC will monitor the situation in Afghanistan: Greg Barclay

Just a week ago, ICC chairman Greg Barclay said that they will allow the Afghanistan Cricket Board to resolve the issue with its government.

“Cricket is fortunate to be in the position to influence positive change in Afghanistan with the national men’s team a source of great pride and unity in a country with a young population that has experienced more upheaval and change than most,” Barclay said.

“We should protect that status and continue to try to influence change through the ACB but will continue to closely monitor the situation and take any decisions accordingly,” he added.

Afghanistan finished fourth on the points table of Group 2 in the T20 World Cup with wins against Scotland and Namibia.

They lost their fixtures to India, Pakistan and New Zealand that dented their hopes to qualify for the semi-final round.

Also Read: Mirwais Ashraf Appointed As The Acting Chairman Of Afghanistan Cricket Board