“Είμαστε μόνο φωνάζοντας παίκτες. Ελέγουμε τα πράγματα στον τομέα “, λέει ο Shahidi, απορρίπτοντας ερωτήσεις σχετικά με την απαγόρευση των γυναικών στο κρίκετ στο Αφγανιστάν.
In a conversation, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi voiced his support for Afghan women to play cricket, although acknowledging that the situation is largely beyond his influence. As his team gears up for their important ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash against England, Shahidi stressed that their primary focus remains on excelling in the sport itself.
The subject of women’s cricket in Afghanistan has stirred a lot of controversy, especially since the Taliban’s ascension to power in 2021, which led to women being barred from participating in sports. The issue caught more attention as Afghanistan prepared to face England, following appeals from over 160 British politicians urging the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to boycott the match in protest of Afghanistan’s stance on women’s cricket. Despite these appeals, the ECB decided to continue with the scheduled game, and even England’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer reached out to the ICC to clarify its gender equality policies.
Shahidi on women in Afghanistan Cricket
Shahidi, adhering to the role of a cricketer amidst political chaos, said, “Everyone likes to see everyone play. When it comes to politics and those things which we cannot control, we are only cricket players, we can control things in the ground. We are sportspersons.” He expressed that the team concentrates on what they can achieve on the pitch, leaving political concerns aside.
A message from Jos Buttler
England captain Jos Buttler didn’t shy away from acknowledging the situation women face in Afghanistan. He expressed his sympathy for the ongoing challenges faced by Afghan women and emphasised the unifying power of sport. “We’re very saddened at the plight of women and girls in Afghanistan at the moment, and the struggles they are facing,” Buttler shared. He hopes that the upcoming match could serve as a beacon of hope and joy amid troubling times.
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Jonathan Trott’s perspective on Afghanistan’s dilemma
In addition to Buttler, Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott also shared his thoughts on the difficulty the players are in. He pointed out that while they may feel helpless regarding the political situation, the team remains eager to perform and bring positivity to their country through their sport.
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