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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a new wave of support and engagement opportunities for Afghanistan’s displaced women cricketers, marking a significant step for a group whose sporting futures were thrown into uncertainty following the Taliban’s takeover of their homeland in 2021. This move, revealed during the ICC’s annual conference, underscores a renewed commitment to inclusivity and hope in the global cricketing community.
From pitch to exile: The story of Afghan women cricketers
When the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan, women were banned from playing sports, including cricket. Facing persecution and barred from the game, many Afghan women cricketers fled the country, with most resettling in Australia. Their exile, while granting safety, left many disconnected from their teams, their training, and the vibrant cricketing community they once represented.
ICC’s support programme: Key details
The ICC’s latest statement confirms that displaced Afghan women cricketers will take part in engagement opportunities around two upcoming marquee global events:
- 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup (India and Sri Lanka)
- 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup (England)
These opportunities will include:
- Attendance at workshops and coaching clinics led by international coaches
- Interactions with elite international players
- Participation in high-performance initiatives
Access to domestic-level cricket opportunities, particularly in Australia, where many reside.
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The program was developed collaboratively under ICC Deputy Chair Imran Khwaja, working with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and Cricket Australia (CA). The plan builds on a framework formed during a previous meeting in Harare, which united the three major cricketing boards to help chart a future for displaced Afghan women cricketers.
While the ICC has not publicly released all specifics of the “key engagement opportunities,” multiple reports reveal their initiative to keep the cricketers connected to the sport, provide them with technical and psychological support, and foster a sense of belonging. Workshops and training camps will not only hone their skills but also allow networking and mentorship with current international stars.
Crucially, the reference to “domestic playing opportunities” suggests ongoing discussions about integrating these athletes into Australia’s tiered cricket structure, such as local grade competitions. This could pave the way for regular, high-quality match practice and gradual reintegration into professional cricket, even if immediate international representation remains out of reach.
For many exile players, the ICC’s backing goes beyond sports. It offers visibility, a measure of dignity, and hope at a time when their participation at home is not possible. Earlier this year, Afghan women cricketers staged a friendly match in Melbourne — albeit without a national emblem, symbolizing both their loss and resilience.
According to ICC, the program “aims to deliver structured support” while sending a global message in favor of inclusivity and the right to play, regardless of circumstance.
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This article was first published at , a Cricket Times company.
