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Rashid Khan Backs Exiled Afghan Women Cricketers, Cites ICC Criteria

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan has publicly expressed support for the Afghan women's cricket team living in exile after fleeing the Taliban regime. He highlighted that having a women's team is part of the criteria for full ICC membership, though he noted the decision ultimately rests with the Afghanistan Cricket Board and the ICC. Rashid acknowledged that as players, their influence is limited, but their support for anyone representing the country remains steadfast. His comments come ahead of Afghanistan's opening T20 World Cup match against New Zealand in Chennai.

Key Points: Rashid Khan Supports Exiled Afghan Women's Cricket Team

  • Support for exiled women's team
  • ICC full membership criteria cited
  • Decision lies with cricket board
  • Focus on upcoming T20 World Cup
  • Acknowledges players' limited power
2 min read

'We love to see anyone representing the country': Rashid breaks silence on Afghan women cricketers living in exile

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan voices support for exiled women cricketers, acknowledges ICC membership criteria ahead of T20 World Cup match.

"We love to see anyone representing Afghanistan on any stage. It's a proud moment. - Rashid Khan"

Chennai, Feb 7

Afghanistan's captain Rashid Khan has stood out in support of the Afghan Women cricketers who are currently living in exile after fleeing their country due to the Taliban regime.

Rashid acknowledged the importance of women's cricket as part of full ICC membership ahead of Afghanistan's first match against New Zealand at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.

"Women's team? Definitely. I feel that's part of the criteria for being a full member. The ICC and the Afghanistan Cricket Board know best, but we love to see anyone representing Afghanistan on any stage. It's a proud moment, and you're representing your country," he said in the pre-match conference.

Rashid also accepted that, as players, they have limited powers, and the decision to allow the women's team to represent the country ultimately lies with the Afghanistan Cricket Board.

"But yes, ultimately the decision lies with the Afghanistan Cricket Board and the ICC. As players, we don't have much control and can only focus on what we can influence. In this situation, there's little we can do, but our support is always there. The bigger decisions are made by those in charge, and they take it forward," Rashid said.

The Afghanistan cricket team performed well in the last T20 World Cup, which was held in 2024. Rashid's team reached the semi-final, where they lost against the runner-up South Africa.

Afghanistan is placed in a tough group D, where they will first take on New Zealand on February 8, and then they will move to Ahmedabad to face South Africa on February 11. Rashid's team will next travel to Delhi to face the UAE. The last World Cup semi-finalists will end their group stage with an encounter against Canada on February 19. The top two teams of their group will move to super 8 stage.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
It's heartbreaking to see talented sportswomen forced into exile. Sports should be beyond politics. The ACB and ICC need to find a solution urgently. These women deserve to play for their country just as much as Rashid does.
A
Aman W
Respect to Rashid for speaking up. He's in a tough spot, can't directly challenge the authorities but has shown where his heart lies. The women's team issue is a stain on cricket's spirit. Hope sense prevails soon.
S
Sarah B
Watching from the US, this is a basic human rights issue. While Rashid's words are diplomatic, the situation is unacceptable. Full ICC membership should be contingent on having a women's team that can actually play. The courage of those exiled players is immense.
V
Vikram M
As an Indian, I feel for our Afghan brothers and sisters. Cricket has been a rare source of joy for that nation. Rashid is a global star and his voice matters. Maybe he could have been more forceful, but I understand the pressure he must be under. All the best to their team in Chennai!
K
Kriti O
This is so sad yaar. Imagine having the skill to represent your country but being denied because of where you were born. The ICC's criteria seem to exist only on paper. Time for some real action, not just statements.

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