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IOC presidential candidate Kirsty Coventry meets Jay Shah, talks Afghanistan women cricketers’ plight

Coventry called the meeting ‘inspiring and productive, covering several exciting developments such as cricket’s highly-anticipated debut at the LA 2028 Olympic Games.’

(LEFT) IOC presidential candidate Kirsty Coventry and ICC president Jay Shah at . (PHOTOS: IOC via Greg Martin, Screenshot from IOC Media)

Kirsty Coventry, the swimming legend who is one of seven candidates for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) presidency, raised the issue of the Taliban ban on Afghanistan’s women cricketers during her meeting with International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah.

The IOC Executive Board member met the former BCCI secretary on the sidelines of India’s Champions Trophy semifinal against Australia in Dubai on Tuesday.

Momentum continues to build around cricket’s inclusion as an @Olympics sport at the @LA2028 Games and beyond, with @JayShah meeting International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach in Lausanne, Switzerland this week. pic.twitter.com/hiySGMGNPg

— ICC (@ICC) January 21, 2025

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Coventry called the meeting ‘inspiring and productive, covering several exciting developments such as cricket’s highly-anticipated debut at the LA 2028 Olympic Games.’

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READ MORE: IOC presidential candidate Kirsty Coventry tells The Indian Express in an interview: ‘Time to protect female category at Olympics’

Very exciting time ahead for Cricket’s involvement in the Olympics movement – a meeting with the @Brisbane_2032 organizing committee in Brisbane, Australia today.@ICC | @Olympics | @CricketAus | @BCCI | #brisbane2032 pic.twitter.com/JVyMbkCYrz

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) December 12, 2024

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“We also spoke about the important and sensitive issue of the participation of Afghanistan’s women’s cricket team. Recognising the significance of this topic, ICC has proactively established a dedicated task force to engage constructively with the Afghan government,” Coventry told The Indian Express. “Both Jay and I strongly align with the values of fairness, equality, and inclusivity. Together, we remain optimistic and committed to ensuring that Afghan women cricketers soon have the opportunity they deserve: to showcase their talents and passion on the international stage.”