“Players understand the reality and want fairness”: Jonathan Trott on Afghanistan’s women cricket

Afghanistan’s cricket team, guided by coach Jonathan Trott, is garnering international attention amidst ongoing concerns over women’s rights in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime. While the men’s team is making headlines with their victories, the situation back home remains troubling, especially for Afghan women who are banned from participating in sports.

Despite criticism from countries like Australia and England, Afghanistan’s men’s team is pushing forward. Trott expressed that his players are well aware of the issues, stating, “Hopefully we can make a difference. I know the players want to do that. They have expressed that on their social media platforms.” Prominent players like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi have previously spoken out against the restrictions on women’s education and rights imposed by the Taliban.

Trott highlighted the team’s intent to seek equality and elevate cricket in their country: “All they are doing is asking for equality and trying to grow the game of cricket, for fairness and an uplift in their country.” Meanwhile, the men’s team continues to compete globally, despite the ICC regulations which call for supporting women’s cricket.

Navigating International Relations

The decision to boycott the team remains contentious. England’s captain, Jos Buttler, acknowledged the complexities, explaining his discussions with Afghan players like Mohammad Nabi, “I am very sad for the women and girls in Afghanistan who are going through a very tough time at the moment. We hope the game of cricket they love watching and we love playing will give some hope.”

Trott, drawing from his South African heritage, recognized the complexities involved: “I can see the world’s concern. I am concerned. I have daughters who play cricket. Hopefully one day I can see that in Afghanistan.”

Australia’s boycott against Afghanistan

Australia, while avoiding bilateral matches, prepared to face Afghanistan for a semi-final spot in the Champions Trophy. Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts urged the ICC to uphold its policies, stating that Australia would not accept the current situation as the ‘new normal.’

“Cricket Australia has made its own decision about Australia’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy. It was the first body to take a stand and refuse to play bilateral matches against Afghanistan. It should be applauded for that. The ICC’s own rules make it clear that Test-playing nations must support women’s cricket. The ICC should enforce its own rules against the Afghanistan cricket authorities. We will not stand by and allow the ongoing situation in Afghanistan to become a ‘new normal’. The Australian government has been a world leader in the global condemnation of Afghanistan’s revolting repression of women,” he wrote.