Afghanistan’s most recognisable cricketing face, Rashid Khanhas finally addressed one of the most sensitive and closely watched issues surrounding the country’s cricketing future — the status of women’s cricket. As Afghanistan prepares for another high-profile appearance on the global stage, Rashid’s remarks have reignited debate around inclusivity, responsibility, and the limits of a player’s influence in a complex political landscape.

Rashid Khan acknowledges importance of women’s cricket

Speaking ahead of Afghanistan’s opening match of the men’s tournament against New Zealand in Chennai, Rashid made it clear that women’s cricket is an essential part of being a full member nation in international cricket.

While choosing his words carefully, the star leg-spinner stressed that he takes pride in seeing Afghans represent the country in any form.

According to Rashid, the presence of a women’s team is not just symbolic but structural. He acknowledged that women’s cricket is part of the criteria set by the sport’s global governing body and said it would always be a proud moment to see Afghan women competing under the national flag.

“Women’s team? Definitely. I feel that’s part of the criteria for being a full member. The ICC and the Afghanistan Cricket Board know best, but we love to see anyone representing Afghanistan on any stage. It’s a proud moment, and you’re representing your country,” said Rashid in the pre-match presser.

His comments come at a time when Afghanistan’s cricketing achievements on the men’s side continue to soar, even as the absence of an active women’s team draws criticism from fans, players, and administrators worldwide.

Afghan women cricketers in exile still waiting for a path forward

The issue has remained unresolved since the Taliban’s return to power, which forced several Afghan women cricketers to flee the country and continue their careers in exile. Many of them have publicly spoken about the emotional toll of representing Afghanistan without being able to do so officially.

Last year, women’s cricketer Firooza Amiri had urged the men’s team to use its growing influence to support women’s cricket.

She believed the popularity and global reach of Afghanistan’s male stars could help draw attention to the struggles of female cricketers and push decision-makers toward action.

Rashid points to limits of player power

While expressing moral support, Rashid was also realistic about the constraints faced by players. He emphasised that decisions regarding women’s cricket are beyond the control of individual cricketers and rest with the Afghanistan Cricket Board and the International Cricket Council.

Rashid explained that players can only focus on performing on the field and supporting the game within their capacity. Larger structural and political decisions, he noted, are handled by administrators and governing bodies, who must decide the way forward.

“But yes, ultimately the decision lies with the Afghanistan Cricket Board and the ICC. As players, we don’t have much control and can only focus on what we can influence. In this situation, there’s little we can decide, but our support is always there. The bigger decisions are made by those in charge, and they take it forward,” added Rashid.

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