Champions Trophy 2025: Hashmatullah Shahidi Supports Aghan Women’s Cricket Amid UK Calls for Boycott, Says ‘We Can’t Control’ Situation

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Champions Trophy 2025: Ahead of Afghanistan's crucial match against England in Lahore, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi has expressed his support for Afghan women participating in cricket. However, the batter emphasised that the current political climate presents challenges beyond the Afghan cricket team's control.

“Everyone likes to see everyone play," Shahidi remarked, as per Cricinfo. "When it comes to politics and those things which we cannot control, we are only cricket players; we can control things in the ground."

UK Calls for Boycott of Champions Trophy 2025 Match Against Afghanistan

The situation has garnered international attention, especially with over 160 UK politicians urging the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to boycott the fixture against Afghanistan. This call stems from the Taliban government's prohibition of women's cricket in Afghanistan.

Despite these appeals, the ECB decided to proceed with the match, aiming to separate sports from political disputes.

Afghanistan's head coach, Jonathan Trott, acknowledged the delicate position the players find themselves in. "These guys are brave," he said. "They know the difference between right and wrong. It is a real tricky situation for them."

Trott highlighted the team's commitment to bringing joy to their nation through cricket, even amidst challenging circumstances.

Exiled Afghan Women's Cricket Team: Striving for Recognition

Since the Taliban's resurgence in 2021, Afghan women have been barred from participating in sports, leading to the disbandment of the national women's cricket team. Many former team members sought refuge abroad, with a significant number resettling in Australia.

In January 2025, these exiled cricketers reunited for a symbolic match at Melbourne's Junction Oval, marking their first game in over three years. This event showcased their resilience and determination to keep the spirit of Afghan women's cricket alive.

Firooza Amiri, a member of the exiled team, expressed her perspective on the situation: "An England boycott of the men's Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan doesn't have any impact."

Role of ICC Amid Afghanistan Women’s Cricket Crisis

The International Cricket Council (ICC) faces mounting pressure to address the exclusion of women from cricket in Afghanistan. While the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) retains its full ICC membership and continues to receive funding, critics argue that more decisive action is necessary. Proposed measures include reallocating funds to support the exiled women's team and imposing sanctions to prompt policy changes within Afghanistan.

However, geopolitical considerations, such as diplomatic engagements between neighbouring countries and the Taliban, complicate the ICC's decision-making process. The challenge lies in balancing the promotion of inclusive sports practices with respecting national sovereignties and navigating complex international relations.

As Afghanistan's men's team prepares to face England, the broader discourse surrounding women's participation in sports continues to evolve. Hashmatullah Shahidi emphasised the team's focus: "We are sportspersons. We control what we can do inside the ground and we can't worry about what's happening out of the ground."

The exiled Afghan women's cricket team remains hopeful for a future where they can represent their nation without fear or restriction. Their recent match in Melbourne serves as a testament to their unwavering spirit and the universal power of sport to inspire change.

In conclusion, while Afghan cricket faces significant challenges due to political and social upheavals, the voices of support from figures like Hashmatullah Shahidi and the resilience of the exiled women's team offer a glimmer of hope.