In a significant move to support Afghan women cricketers living in exile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the formation of a dedicated task force in collaboration with some of the sport’s most influential governing bodies — the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and Cricket Australia (CA).
This landmark initiative aims to provide holistic support for displaced Afghan women athletes, many of whom are currently based in Australia after fleeing their homeland. Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, women in Afghanistan have been banned from participating in sports, leaving their sporting careers in limbo.
Earlier this year politicians in England and South Africa demanded their men’s cricket team to boycott their ICC Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan to demonstrate their discontent on the condition of women in Afghanistan under Taliban regime. The demands were not given heed by the respective cricket boards and England and Afghanistan did end up playing their games against Afghanistan.
The ICC’s new programme will include a dedicated fund offering direct financial assistance to help these players continue their journey in cricket. Alongside monetary aid, the plan also features a comprehensive high-performance programme, offering access to top-tier coaching, facilities, and personalized mentorship.
Also Read: Cricket Returns To The Olympics After 128 Years, 28 More Medal Events Added For LA Games
ICC Chairman Jay Shah commented on the initiative, saying,
“At the International Cricket Council, we are deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and ensuring every cricketer has the opportunity to shine, regardless of their circumstances. In collaboration with our valued partners, we are proud to launch this task force and support fund. This reflects our unwavering belief in cricket’s power to inspire unity, resilience, and hope.”
The ICC believes this move not only helps preserve the careers of talented Afghan women cricketers but also highlights cricket’s potential as a force for positive change beyond borders.
The announcement comes amid ongoing debate over Afghanistan’s Full Member status with the ICC. One of the criteria for this status is the existence of a functioning women’s team — something currently not possible under Taliban rule. Earlier this year, Human Rights Watch had called for Afghanistan’s suspension from international cricket. In 2023, former players from the Afghanistan women’s national team also reached out to the ICC, requesting to be officially recognized as a refugee team.
In addition to unveiling the task force, the ICC also approved the consolidated audited financial statements for the ICC Group for the year ending 2024.
Prakhar Sachdeo
The Sportz Planet Desk
