Afghanistan men's captain and coach rally behind women players: 'Everyone likes to see everyone play'

Amid criticism of Afghanistan’s participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 due to the Taliban’s ban on women’s sports, national cricket team captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and coach Jonathan Trott have voiced their support for the country’s women.

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Politicians and celebrities across England and South Africa had demanded their respective countries to boycott Afghanistan matches in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 to protest against the Taliban’s anti-women policies . Besides not being allowed to take part in sports, women in Afghanistan have also been banned from parks and universities.

While both England and South Africa went ahead with their matches against Afghanistan, the decisions were met with criticism from different corners.

Afghan men’s cricketers extend support to women counterparts

Afghanistan cricket team captain Hashmatullah Shahidi has voiced support for the women in his country, stating that the exiled Afghanistan women’s team should be allowed to play cricket. However, he acknowledged that such decisions are beyond the players’ control.

“Yeah, everyone likes to see everyone play,” Shahidi said on Tuesday. “As I said before, when it comes to politics and those things which we cannot control - we are only cricket players we can control things in the ground and we belong to the ground and we are always trying to give our best when we play.”

Afghanistan head coach Trott, who was born in South Africa but played international cricket for England, said that he is hopeful that women’s cricketers will soon be allowed to follow their passion in the Asian nation.

“I can see the world’s concern,” Trott was quoted as saying by BBC. “I am concerned. I have daughters who play cricket.

“I am proud of where I come from and the change the country made for the betterment of everybody. Hopefully one day I can see that in Afghanistan.”

Afghanistan, meanwhile, are still in contention for the semi-finals spot in the Champions Trophy 2025. A victory over Australia on Friday will allow them to qualify for the last four stage.