'I have daughters who play cricket' - Jonathan Trott on Taliban rule in Afghanistan

Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott has voiced his concerns about the Taliban’s restrictions on women’s participation in sports, particularly cricket. As a father to daughters who play the game, Trott expressed his hope for a future where Afghan women can enjoy the same sporting freedoms as those in England. 

Since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, women's rights have suffered severely. Women have been banned from public spaces such as parks and universities, and female cricketers have had to flee the country for safety. With these challenges, some Afghan men’s cricketers, including Rashid Khan, have spoken against the oppressive policies.

Cricket Australia has already taken a stand by refusing to play a bilateral series against Afghanistan due to the Taliban’s stance on women's rights. Nearly 200 UK politicians recently called for England to boycott their Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan, but the game will proceed as scheduled.

Ahead of Afghanistan’s Champions Trophy clash against England, in Lahore, the former England batter compared Afghanistan’s struggles and South Africa’s history with apartheid, stressing upon his desire to see a change in Afghanistan similar to the one his birthplace underwent.

"Hopefully we can make a difference. I know the players want to do that. They have expressed that on their social media platforms. All they are doing is asking for equality and trying to grow the game of cricket, for fairness and an uplift in their country. I can see the world's concern. 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," he told as quoted by BBC.

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These guys are brave: Jonathan Trott

With the Hashmatullah Shahidi-led side coming off a loss in their opening game, the England fixture is a do-or-die situation for them to stay in the contest. Trott also mentioned the difficult position his players are in, having to balance the national pride with the awareness that change is needed.

"These guys are brave. They know the difference between right and wrong. It is a real tricky situation for them. They know who they are playing for and representing. We work hard to bring joy to the country and the guys are passionate, brave and proud of being able to do that, but knowing full well that there are things that are not correct," he concluded.