Afghanistan Recognition, Role of Special Envoy on UN Agenda: Otunbayeva

Roza Otunbayeva stated that they expect to maintain the issue of recognition and the role of the special envoy for Afghanistan in the third Doha meeting.

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan says that the issue of recognition and the role of the special envoy to Afghanistan are on their agenda.

After the conclusion of the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva stated in a press conference that they expect to maintain the issue of recognition and the role of the special envoy for Afghanistan in the third Doha meeting.

Roza Otunbayeva, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan, believes that the third Doha meeting on Afghanistan is scheduled to be held in June.

“We are approaching another Doha meeting in the future, and I hope to maintain the issue of recognition and the role of the special envoy, which is now on the agenda. This is exactly to work on this unity,” said Roza Otunbayeva.

However, at last night’s (Wednesday) UN Security Council meeting, some members emphasized positive international engagement with the Islamic Emirate. The representatives of Russia and China at this meeting consider constructive engagement with the interim government authorities as the only solution to the current problems in Afghanistan.

“We have consistently emphasized that there is no alternative to a comprehensive approach to Afghanistan. This approach, based on an objective analysis and accurate assessment of the situation and prospects for resolving the issue of Afghanistan, includes constructive engagement within the international community itself,” said Anna Evstigneeva, Deputy Representative of Russia to the UN.

“The international community should gradually, through patient communication with Afghan authorities, increase their understanding and trust in the outside world, and Afghan authorities, in response to international expectations, should adopt more effective initiatives, create favorable conditions for dialogue and interaction, and also avoid assumptions and imposing programs on Afghanistan,” said Geng Shuang, Deputy Permanent Representative of China to the UN.

Human rights issues, one of the main agendas of this meeting, were also emphasized by some members of the Security Council and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for the full observance of the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan.

“Many women are currently afraid to move in public places. I take this opportunity to call again on the de facto authorities to reverse these restrictions. The longer these restrictions on women and girls continue, the more damage will be done,” stated Roza Otunbayeva.

“The Taliban are also detaining women who are not legally required to wear a hijab. The United States is working with Afghan women to be ready for the day when they can fully participate in society,” said Robert Wood, Deputy Permanent Representative of the USA to the UN.

“We emphasize that any future international action or engagement with the Taliban must maintain Afghanistan’s international obligations regarding combating terrorism, human rights, especially the rights of women and girls, as a conditional component,” said Naseer Ahmad Faiq, Acting Head of the Afghan seat at the UN.

However, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN claims that terrorist organizations in Afghanistan pose a security threat to its neighbors. Munir Akram says that combating terrorism must be a condition for engagement with the interim Afghan government.

“Terrorism from within Afghanistan poses the most serious impediment to normalization in Afghanistan. The terrorist organizations present there, pose security threat to each of Afghanistan’s immediate neighbors. Counter terrorism must be the highest priority in any future roadmap for engagement with the interim Afghan government,” stated Munir Akram.

Previously, the UN Security Council had held several meetings on the situation in Afghanistan, but according to experts, these meetings have not yet resulted in a positive outcome in resolving Afghanistan’s fundamental issues.

Afghanistan Recognition, Role of Special Envoy on UN Agenda: Otunbayeva
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US Calls on Kabul to Lift Ban on Girls’ Education

“We ask the Islamic Emirate to reopen schools for us so that we can get educated and serve our country,” Hadia told TOLOnews.

As the new academic year approaches, the US State Department has reiterated its call for the Islamic Emirate to lift the ban on girls’ education.

At a press briefing, Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the department, highlighted the impending “sad anniversary” for Afghan schoolgirls, and advocated for their right to return to school.

“We’re of course aware that this sad anniversary is coming up, and we have made it clear that girls should never have been blocked from going to school in the first place. Advancing respect for the rights of Afghan women and girls is critical to our efforts in Afghanistan. At every opportunity we urge the Taliban to allow girls to return to school, respect the rights of all Afghans, and reverse their discriminatory decrees on women and girls,” Miller noted.

Amid these calls for change, several female students have once again voiced their plea to the Islamic Emirate, seeking the restoration of their right to education.

Among them is 16-year-old Hadia, who has been deprived of her education for three years. Living with the fear of what her future holds, Hadia asked the government to restore their basic rights and allow them to return to school.

“We ask the Islamic Emirate to reopen schools for us so that we can get educated and serve our country,” Hadia told TOLOnews.

“We have fallen far behind our neighboring countries, and the reason for that is the low level of literacy,” Roita, another student told TOLOnews reporter.

The Islamic Emirate has yet to react to these remarks by the US State Department’s spokesperson; however, it has previously said that the right to education for girls is not being denied, noting that efforts are underway to address the issue.

This situation unfolds as it marks 900 days since the closure of schools for girls beyond the sixth grade in Afghanistan.

US Calls on Kabul to Lift Ban on Girls’ Education
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Afghanistan Recognition, Role of Special Envoy on UN Agenda: Otunbayeva

Roza Otunbayeva stated that they expect to maintain the issue of recognition and the role of the special envoy for Afghanistan in the third Doha meeting.

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan says that the issue of recognition and the role of the special envoy to Afghanistan are on their agenda.

After the conclusion of the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva stated in a press conference that they expect to maintain the issue of recognition and the role of the special envoy for Afghanistan in the third Doha meeting.

Roza Otunbayeva, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan, believes that the third Doha meeting on Afghanistan is scheduled to be held in June.

“We are approaching another Doha meeting in the future, and I hope to maintain the issue of recognition and the role of the special envoy, which is now on the agenda. This is exactly to work on this unity,” said Roza Otunbayeva.

However, at last night’s (Wednesday) UN Security Council meeting, some members emphasized positive international engagement with the Islamic Emirate. The representatives of Russia and China at this meeting consider constructive engagement with the interim government authorities as the only solution to the current problems in Afghanistan.

“We have consistently emphasized that there is no alternative to a comprehensive approach to Afghanistan. This approach, based on an objective analysis and accurate assessment of the situation and prospects for resolving the issue of Afghanistan, includes constructive engagement within the international community itself,” said Anna Evstigneeva, Deputy Representative of Russia to the UN.

“The international community should gradually, through patient communication with Afghan authorities, increase their understanding and trust in the outside world, and Afghan authorities, in response to international expectations, should adopt more effective initiatives, create favorable conditions for dialogue and interaction, and also avoid assumptions and imposing programs on Afghanistan,” said Geng Shuang, Deputy Permanent Representative of China to the UN.

Human rights issues, one of the main agendas of this meeting, were also emphasized by some members of the Security Council and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for the full observance of the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan.

“Many women are currently afraid to move in public places. I take this opportunity to call again on the de facto authorities to reverse these restrictions. The longer these restrictions on women and girls continue, the more damage will be done,” stated Roza Otunbayeva.

“The Taliban are also detaining women who are not legally required to wear a hijab. The United States is working with Afghan women to be ready for the day when they can fully participate in society,” said Robert Wood, Deputy Permanent Representative of the USA to the UN.

“We emphasize that any future international action or engagement with the Taliban must maintain Afghanistan’s international obligations regarding combating terrorism, human rights, especially the rights of women and girls, as a conditional component,” said Naseer Ahmad Faiq, Acting Head of the Afghan seat at the UN.

However, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN claims that terrorist organizations in Afghanistan pose a security threat to its neighbors. Munir Akram says that combating terrorism must be a condition for engagement with the interim Afghan government.

“Terrorism from within Afghanistan poses the most serious impediment to normalization in Afghanistan. The terrorist organizations present there, pose security threat to each of Afghanistan’s immediate neighbors. Counter terrorism must be the highest priority in any future roadmap for engagement with the interim Afghan government,” stated Munir Akram.

Previously, the UN Security Council had held several meetings on the situation in Afghanistan, but according to experts, these meetings have not yet resulted in a positive outcome in resolving Afghanistan’s fundamental issues.

Afghanistan Recognition, Role of Special Envoy on UN Agenda: Otunbayeva
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UNAMA Chief announces readiness for 3rd Doha conference with Taliban and stakeholders

The head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) announced the readiness to hold the third Doha conference on Afghanistan.

Raza Otunbayeva stated her hope for the participation of the Taliban and other stakeholders in this meeting. However, she did not provide further details about the timing of the conference.

The head of UNAMA stated in a report to the UN Security Council that the next Doha session should have a practical agenda, aiming for discussions that yield the results the organization seeks.

However, it is said that this session, unlike the first two Doha sessions, will likely be held at a different level and possibly without the presence of the UN Secretary-General.

The second round of Doha talks, attended by Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, and representatives from 25 countries and international organizations on Afghanistan, was held on February 18th and 19th.

This session ended without a clear outcome due to the Taliban’s abstention from participating and because the conditions set by the group for its attendance were not met.

UNAMA notes Afghanistan’s global challenge due to terrorism. Concerns extend to various terrorist groups, including the Pakistani Taliban, posing regional threats.

UNAMA emphasizes engagement with the Taliban and ongoing human rights consultations. Otunbayeva highlights substantial global aid, urging sustained support for Afghanistan’s stability.

Continued assistance from the global community is crucial for Afghanistan’s stabilization and development efforts, reinforcing the importance of sustained support.

UNAMA Chief announces readiness for 3rd Doha conference with Taliban and stakeholders
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Women’s exclusion costs Afghanistan millions: US Representative at UN

Khaama Press

The US Deputy Representative to the UN said Washington works with Afghan women to help them fully participate in society.

Robert Wood, speaking at the Security Council meeting, emphasized women’s participation, which could bring millions of dollars to Afghanistan’s economy.

The Deputy US Representative to the UN, during a special Security Council session on Afghanistan, mentioned the Taliban’s ongoing disregard for women’s rights and restrictions on girls’ education.

He highlighted the group’s imposed limitations on women’s work and enforced veiling as tools to marginalize them socially.

Wood noted that based on surveys, 85% of Afghans believe women should have equal access to education. He stressed that women’s participation enhances Afghan society and benefits the economy by over a billion dollars.

The Deputy US Representative to the UN expressed support for UNAMA’s activities in Afghanistan and endorsed appointing a UN special envoy for the country.

He emphasized the importance of developing a roadmap to hold the Taliban accountable to Afghanistan’s international commitments and normalize relations with the world.

Women’s exclusion costs Afghanistan millions: US Representative at UN
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Afghanistan to Witness Economic Growth in Coming Years: Kabir

Kabir called the completion of this project as a revolution in agriculture for the country.

The deputy prime minister for political affairs, Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, said that within the next few years, Afghanistan will grow not only politically but also economically.

During the commencement ceremony of the national tree-planting campaign under the slogan “Planting Trees, Eradicating Drought” in Badam Bagh, Kabul, and at the Qosh Tepa Canal, Kabir called the completion of this project as a revolution in agriculture for the country.

He said: “Efforts are underway for water management, and surveys have been conducted in all districts of Afghanistan for the construction of dams to prevent drought and manage water throughout the districts.”

According to him, climate change has posed various challenges to countries worldwide, especially Afghanistan. Internal conflicts, deforestation, and illegal logging have exacerbated issues such as air pollution and drought in recent years.

In the event, the deputy prime minister for political affairs considered the lack of a standard water supply system as the reason for the scarcity of drinking water in Kabul, assuring that the Islamic Emirate plans to build large dams for national water management.

“The tree-planting process can energize and enhance the greening process,” Abdul Latif Nazari, Deputy Minister of Economy said.

Meanwhile, the acting Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Attaullah Omari, mentioned the efforts to standardize the agricultural system, livestock management, irrigation, and establish specific procedures to protect forests and reclaim government-encroached lands.

Omari said, “Our livestock sector is traditional, and we have plans for this sector. The first decision is to improve and transform the existing traditional breeds; we will provide breeds to our livestock farmers that are worth their efforts.”

Meanwhile, the Directorate of the greenery affairs department of the Kabul municipality highlighted tree planting as crucial in preventing floods, air pollution, and global warming, announcing that approximately 2 million fruit and non-fruit trees will be planted in 1403 (solar year).

The head of the greenery affairs department of the Kabul municipality, Abdul Wakil Mutawakil, said: “Kabul’s air was polluted in the past years, but efforts by the municipality have cleaned it.”

The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock reported that approximately 82 million fruit and non-fruit trees have been distributed and planted across the country in the past two years.

Afghanistan to Witness Economic Growth in Coming Years: Kabir
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Guterres Calls for Investment in Peace, Stability

The UN Secretary-General called on world leaders to invest in peace and stability in their countries through a statement.

On the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness, the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said that world leaders must prevent the use of deadly weapons.

The UN Secretary-General called on world leaders to invest in peace and stability in their countries through a statement.

António Guterres on X said, “Disarmament and non-proliferation are critical not only to a peaceful future, but to our very existence. On this Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness Day, we must speak with one loud, clear voice. It’s time to stop the madness. We need disarmament now.”

On this day, Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman for the Islamic Emirate said that since the Islamic Emirate came into power, all weapons have been collected from irresponsible individuals and transferred to depots.

Mujahid said, “The weapons that were in camps and military places have been collected, and several commissions have been appointed to ensure thorough investigations. This has been done, and we hardly see any unauthorized weapons now. If there are any in certain places, they are under control, and if we become aware of them, we collect them.”

Some analysts have diverse views on how Afghanistan and other countries can prevent the illegal trafficking of weapons.
“The increase in the trafficking of illegal weapons threatens the sovereignty and security of any country,” Sarwar Niazi, a military analyst said.

“Today, almost all people in Afghanistan are familiar with weapons, one of the reasons the war in Afghanistan has continued for so long is that everyone is armed,” Sadiq Shinwari, another military analyst said.

A resolution proposal was presented to the United Nations General Assembly in 2021 on the occasion of the International Day for Disarmament Awareness and Non-Proliferation, and following its adoption in 2022, it is commemorated annually in some countries around the world.

Guterres Calls for Investment in Peace, Stability
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UNSC to Vote on UNAMA Extension, Discuss Afghanistan

The members of the United Nations Security Council will vote on the extension of the UNAMA mission in this session.

The United Nations Security Council is holding a session today (Wednesday) to discuss the situation in Afghanistan.

The members of the United Nations Security Council will vote on the extension of the UNAMA mission in this session.

Stéphane Dujarric, the Spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General, stated that in addition to discussions on Afghanistan and extension of UNAMA mission, the head of UNAMA and the UN Secretary General Special Representative for Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva will present her quarterly report on the situation in Afghanistan at this meeting.

Dujarric said, “The Security Council session will focus on the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. In this meeting, Roza Otunbayeva, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, will speak at the center of the Security Council.”

Meanwhile, The Chargé d’Affaires of the Afghanistan Permanent Mission to the UN, Naseer Ahmad Faiq told TOLOnews that the meeting will feature speeches from the United Nations Special Representative, representatives of member countries of the organization, representatives of regional countries, and the Acting Representative of Afghanistan to the United Nations.

“In this meeting, Roza Otunbayeva, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative, a representative of civil society, member countries of the Security Council, representatives of regional countries, and the Permanent Representative of Afghanistan to the United Nations will participate and speak,” said Faiq.

“The UN Security Council meeting is a continuation of the February 26 meetings, with no significant difference. Civil society has not been invited, and the Taliban have not been invited either,” said Aziz Maarij, an international relations expert.

However, Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, considers such meetings to be ineffective without the presence of a representative from the Islamic Emirate.

Mujahid said, “The United Nations is under the influence of superpowers. It follows their policies, discussing issues related to Afghanistan without the representative of Afghanistan and the position of Afghanistan, which does not yield results.”

Previously, the members of the United Nations Security Council have discussed the appointing a special representative for Afghanistan in past meetings; however, due to the lack of a unified consensus within the organization, there has been no appointment of such a representative to date.

UNSC to Vote on UNAMA Extension, Discuss Afghanistan
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UN Report Highlights Internal Disputes, Security, Narcotics in Afghanistan

The central regions of the country witnessed the highest number of security incidents during these three months, with 263 incidents.

The United Nations’ quarterly report on Afghanistan states that internal disputes exist within the Islamic Emirate, and the number of security incidents has increased by 38% from November 1, 2023, to January 10, 2024, compared to the same period in 2022 and 2023.

The central regions of the country witnessed the highest number of security incidents during these three months, with 263 incidents.

António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, addressed the humanitarian, economic, security crises, and the fight against drugs in Afghanistan in the report.

The findings of this report indicate that since the return of the Islamic Emirate, the current Afghan authorities have had internal disagreements on fundamental matters such as governance, and there has been no progress in making institutions and decision-making processes inclusive.

Regarding human rights issues, the report states that the rights of women and girls in all areas of life in Afghanistan have been restricted. The arrest of women for not observing the hijab is mentioned in the report.

The report adds, “Restrictions against women and girls remain in place, and in some areas of Afghanistan, the enforcement of these restrictions has become more difficult.”

However, António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, has praised the reduction in opium cultivation and drug production in Afghanistan in the report.

Regarding drugs, the report reads, “Following the ban on cultivation and production of drugs by the current Afghan authorities, opium cultivation in Afghanistan has decreased by 95%, leading to a significant and sustained increase in the price of opium. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimates that as a result of this ban, opium farmers have lost half of their total income.”

“When the United Nations publishes a report on the situation in Afghanistan, it should mention the deficiencies, achievements, and progress, i.e., both the positives and negatives,” said Sayed Akbar Sial Wardak, a political analyst.

“Security threats and problems have existed and will exist; not addressing these issues at the right time is a problem,” said Idrees Zazai, another political analyst.

So far, the Islamic Emirate has not responded to this report; however, it has always stated that human rights in the country are ensured based on Islamic laws, and fighting drugs as well as ensuring security across the country are among the achievements of the Islamic Emirate.

UN Report Highlights Internal Disputes, Security, Narcotics in Afghanistan
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Taliban sets sights on making Afghanistan a global power in cricket

By

The Washington Post

4 March 2024

KABUL — During the Taliban’s first stint in power in the 1990s, its disdain for many sports meant that Kabul’s main stadium drew some of its biggest crowds on the days it was used for public executions.

But since seizing control in Kabul for a second time in 2021, the Taliban has turned to making Afghanistan into a global cricketing power, with ambitious plans for a state-of-the-art cricket stadium that could host international matches.

The men’s national team was already on the rise before the takeover but has continued to thrive under the new regime, defying expectations and scoring stunning upsets in international play. Privately funded cricket academies have seen a surge in the number of new players.

Cricket’s appeal to the Taliban may be partly rooted in the sport’s long-standing popularity in ethnic Pashtun communities, where the Taliban has traditionally drawn its strongest support. But as cricket’s reach expands across ethnic lines, the regime may also view the sport as useful.

“Cricket brings the country together,” said Abdul Ghafar Farooq, a spokesman for the Taliban’s Ministry of Vice and Virtue.

The Taliban vowed to change Kabul. The city may be starting to change the Taliban.

Within days of the takeover in August 2021, Anas Haqqani, the influential younger brother of the Taliban’s interior minister, visited the Afghan cricket board to demonstrate the new government’s support for the sport.

Haqqani, a cricket fan who recently injured his foot while playing volleyball, said Taliban soldiers would have made excellent cricket stars. “If we hadn’t waged a war, many of us would be on the national team now,” he said in a rare interview. “The future of cricket here is very bright.”

Surprise victories

Taliban soldiers and other spectators closely followed the Cricket World Cup last fall in India, gathering to watch on large screens in parks, at wedding venues and in television shops. Cheering on their team as it delivered shocking victories against England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands, some Taliban soldiers fired celebratory shots into the sky.

“People don’t have anything to enjoy in Afghanistan, but cricket gives us happiness,” said Mohammad Gul Ahmadzai, 48, who used to watch soccer matches on the television in his travel agency in central Kabul until the broadcasts became less frequent.

Although global soccer is dominated by teams that are often awash in money, he said, the smaller number of serious international competitors in cricket gives Afghans a more realistic chance of winning.

Others say Afghanistan’s cricket frenzy is primarily fed by desperation. Farhard Amirzai, 17, said he and his friends have come to view a professional cricket career as the only path out of poverty.

After the Taliban took power, boys “lost interest in education,” said Amirzai, who spends much of his time practicing on a barren field in Kabul with a makeshift tape-covered cricket ball. “Young people think that even if they graduate from school or university, they won’t find a good job under the current government. So, they try their luck with cricket.”

Even though cricket academies have seen a spike in sign ups since the Taliban took over, most young Afghans, including Amirzai, cannot afford them.

Taliban soldier Abdul Mobin Mansor would love to join, too, but the 19-year-old said his job leaves him little time. He has wanted to become a national team player ever since he and his comrades — still waging the armed rebellion and hiding in caves at the time — started following the sport on battery-powered radios, he said.

And for Afghan women, there is no chance at all. One of the Taliban-run government’s first actions after the takeover was to ban women from playing sports, reintroducing the policy the movement had put in place when it previously held power and shattering female athletes’ dreams.

Slow to catch on

Believed to have been invented in England in the 16th century, cricket was one of the British Empire’s most popular cultural exports. By the early 20th century, the sport thrived in Australia, British India — which includes what is today India, Pakistan and Bangladesh — and other places in the region. But it was slow to catch on in Afghanistan, where the national sport remained buzkashi, an equestrian game in which horsemen try to score a goal with a carcass, traditionally that of a goat or calf but now almost always fake.

Cricket’s fortunes began to change here after the 1979 Soviet invasion forced millions to flee to Pakistan. The sport rapidly caught on in northwestern Pakistan’s Afghan refugee camps, which were primarily home to Pashtuns. The sport later found its way to Kabul when some Afghans returned in the late 1990s during the Taliban’s first time in power.

Among the first Afghan cricket players was Allah Dad Noori, then the national team’s captain. In an interview, Noori said he initially worried that the Taliban would not allow cricket. But his family’s ties to the regime may have helped convince the group. “My brother-in-law, who later spent time in Guantánamo, had already told the Taliban about me,” Noori recalled. “He said to them, ‘This man is the greatest cricketer, and if you capture Kabul you should approve cricket.’”

When British businessman Stuart Bentham arrived in Kabul a couple of years later, he became one of the first foreigners to attend an Afghan cricket match, held in the same Kabul stadium that the Taliban was using for executions.

At the time, the Taliban had soccer players’ heads shaved as punishment for wearing shorts. The long trousers of cricket players may have raised fewer religious concerns, Bentham said, but cricket’s popularity in neighboring Pakistan probably also played a role in the Taliban’s desire to promote the sport.

“Pakistan had a lot of influence over the Taliban at that time,” he said.

Plight of female athletes

The Afghan team’s importance to the Taliban has begun to prompt uncomfortable questions abroad. Australia’s national cricket team announced early last year that it would boycott matches against Afghanistan to protest the Taliban’s repression of girls and women. But during the Cricket World Cup, the Australians rescinded the boycott, disappointing many Afghan women and others.

Weeda Omari, 35, said she hopes no foreign team would agree to play in a Kabul stadium under the Taliban. Omari used to work as a women’s sports coordinator for Kabul’s municipality until her team of colleagues was disbanded within days of the takeover.

She has since fled the country, but 80 percent of the female athletes whom she supervised are still in Afghanistan. “Their families accuse them of having drawn the Taliban’s ire by becoming athletes, and now they’re being pushed to marry,” Omari said. “Many call me to cry.”

Even though the Taliban-run government remains internationally isolated and under heavy sanctions, a spokesman for Afghanistan’s cricket board said it was recently granted about $16 million from the Dubai-based International Cricket Council, with media reports suggesting that Afghan cricket can expect to receive similar annual contributions in coming years.

In a statement, the ICC said that it “will not penalise the [Afghanistan Cricket Board], or its players for abiding by the laws set by the government of their country,” but that it continues to advocate for women’s cricket in the country. The ICC does not release public details on member funding.

In an interview, Hamdullah Nomani, the Taliban’s minister of urban development, said plans to construct a major new cricket stadium in Kabul have been discussed at the highest levels of leadership. Although the idea for a new stadium originated under the previous government, the Taliban-run government appears intent on helping to finish the project with private funding.

The government’s primary concern is that the stadium might not be big enough. “There’s not enough land,” Nomani said.

Lutfullah Qasimyar and Mirwais Mohammadi contributed to this report.

Taliban sets sights on making Afghanistan a global power in cricket
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