Cannot Control Happenings Off The Ground: Shahidi On Afghanistan Women's Curb On Cricket

Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi has said that he or his team cannot control whatever is happening out of the cricket field, referring to the curb on his country's women to play the sport. This has been a bone of contention for many countries, including their opponents on February 26 (Wednesday), England, where many politicians have called for their team to boycott the match.

"Everyone likes to see everyone play," Shahidi said. 

"When it comes to politics and those things which we cannot control, we are only cricket players, we can control things in the ground.

"We are sportspersons. We control what we can do inside the ground and we can't worry about what's happening out of the ground. We play hard, we work hard, we have good net sessions. So that's what we're thinking of."

England captain Jos Buttler says the plight saddens him but hopes their match against Afghanistan gives the country some joy. "I've taken a lot of advice from lots of experts," Buttler said. 

"Credit to Rob Key and the ECB. They have been very good at supporting me and all the players, and giving us information and education around this, and making it an ECB decision.

"We're very saddened at the plight of women and girls in Afghanistan at the moment and the struggles they are facing. But we hope that the game tomorrow can be a source of hope and enjoyment in what is obviously a tough time at the moment. 

"We're very excited about the match. Sport has a great power to unite people and give hope, and that's what we hope this game will do."

Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott, who is also a former England international, says that his players are aware what is happening is not right. "These guys are brave," he said. 

"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."

Both England and Afghanistan need a win to stay alive in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, they go into this match at the back of defeats. While England succumbed to a five-wicket loss against Australia, Afghanistan were brushed aside by South Africa by a massive 107-run margin.