As someone who deeply cares for the sport of cricket, and as a woman keenly aware of the situation in Afghanistan, I feel compelled to raise this issue. The England cricket team should immediately cease all plans to play in Afghanistan, in response to grave concerns over human rights issues, especially with regards to women's rights.

Afghanistan is currently controlled by the Taliban, who have a documented history of severe women's rights violations. In the past, the Taliban have banned women from attending school, working, and even from leaving their homes without a male guardian, asserting a paradigm of oppression and fear [source: Human Rights Watch Reports]. Now, women are not allowed to train as nurses or be treated by a man, thus denying them medical care. They are not even allowed to been seen through a window in their own homes. 

With Afghanistan in the international spotlight, cricket matches involving high-profile teams, like the England cricket team, could offer legitimacy and tacit support to the current regime – a regime that has been broadly criticized for its lack of democracy, transparency, and respect for human rights.

By deciding to compete in Afghanistan, the England cricket team might inadvertently (!) propagate a message that international sports can continue unabated, despite the alarming human rights situation. We believe in the power of cricket, but we also believe in the power of athletes and teams making a stand against injustice.

With this petition, we make a humble request for the England cricket team not to play in Afghanistan, thereby taking a firm stance for respect of human dignity, women’s rights, and equality. We strongly feel that until substantial progress is evident in Afghanistan, it should not further promote or normalize relations with the international sporting community. 

Please sign this petition to show your support and spread the message that sports and human rights go hand in hand.