Purple Saturdays Movement Supports the Boycott of Afghanistan’s National Cricket Team

In the statement released on Saturday, January 18, by the movement's Health and Sports Committee, the actions of Afghanistan's national cricket team over the past three years were described as a "betrayal of national interests." The statement claimed that "the Afghanistan cricket team, over the past three years, has not only failed to support the people of Afghanistan, especially women, but has also directly or indirectly contributed to legitimizing and whitewashing the self-proclaimed Taliban regime."

The "Purple Saturdays" movement highlighted that although the achievements and reputation of Afghanistan's national cricket team are considered national assets for the citizens of the country, the Taliban have systematically used the team to advance their political goals and strengthen their position. This, according to the movement, has tarnished the national identity of the cricket team, leading many citizens to refer to it as the "Taliban cricket team."

The statement called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take decisive measures to prevent the Taliban from exploiting the team as a political tool. The movement also urged international organizations and countries supporting justice to exert pressure on the Taliban and their backers to prevent the legitimization of this group.

The "Purple Saturdays" movement stressed that engaging with the Taliban or legitimizing their "self-proclaimed" government does not serve Afghanistan's national interests. The movement called for global efforts to "overthrow" the Taliban and to support Afghan women, minorities, and vulnerable communities.

The statement concluded with a warning that the Taliban are not capable of change and that providing any opportunities to this group equates to supporting systematic oppression and widespread violations of the rights of the Afghan people.