Afghan women’s cricketers have accused overseas players signing up for the inaugural Afghanistan Premier League of sending a message to the world that women suffering in the country “can simply be ignored”.
Women’s participation in sport has been effectively outlawed since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, and many of Afghanistan’s female cricketers left the country for their own safety.
The men’s franchise league is expected to start in December in the UAE, though it is yet to be sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
In September, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) urged players to reconsider their involvement and batter Ollie Pope withdrew.
“For five years, girls in Afghanistan have been denied the right to play cricket and many other basic rights,” Nahida Sapan, who captained the Afghanistan Refugee Women’s XI on this summer’s tour of England, told the BBC Stumped podcast.
“Foreign players had a real opportunity to stand with millions of Afghan women and girls by choosing not to participate.
“It may have seemed like a small action, but it could have sent a powerful message and put pressure on those responsible.
“This is not about being against cricket or Afghan men’s cricket. It is about standing up for basic human rights.”
Eight English players were signed in the draft on Tuesday, alongside players from Scotland, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
England’s Alex Hales, Tymal Mills, Joe Clarke, Olly Stone, Moeen Ali, Luke Wood, Tom Moores and Chris Wood were all signed. Scotland’s George Munsey also secured a deal, as did Ireland all-rounder Curtis Campher.
Other England players including Dawid Malan and James Vince also put their names into the draft.
England will have more overseas representation than any other country in the Afghan league.
The major names signed from other nations include Sri Lanka internationals Kusal Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera and Kamindu Mendis, Australian batter D’Arcy Short, South Africa spinner Imran Tahir and Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan.
The ECB has refused to schedule bilateral cricket with Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power – a stance Australia also adopts.
England have, however, continued to play against Afghanistan at global events, including World Cups in both limited-overs formats and the Champions Trophy, which resulted in calls from MPs for their game in 2025 to be boycotted.
“For me, the women and girls of Afghanistan come first,” said Sapan. “Their rights, dignity and freedom matter more than any league or sporting opportunity.
“Taking part in this league without acknowledging what is happening to Afghan women risks sending the message to the world that their suffering can simply be ignored.”