The Taliban’s restrictions on women’s lives in Afghanistan represent gender apartheid. South Africa was rightly boycotted in sport, trade and international relations for its policy of racial apartheid in the 20th century. The time has come for Afghanistan to face the same international consequences for its treatment of the female half of its population. 

We call on the International Cricket Council to exclude Afghanistan from the ICC Champions’ Trophy 2025. If this does not happen, then we call on the England and Wales Cricket Board to boycott the first round England vs. Afghanistan match, scheduled to be played in Lahore on 26th February.