The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the formation of a dedicated taskforce to support Afghan women cricketers living in exile, in a move aimed at promoting inclusivity and safeguarding the future of women's cricket in Afghanistan.
In an official statement, the ICC revealed that cricket boards from India, Australia, and England and Wales will collaborate to assist Afghan women cricketers in both their professional development and personal well-being.
As part of the initiative, the ICC will establish a special fund to offer direct financial assistance to Afghan women players. The support is intended to ensure they have access to the resources needed to continue pursuing their cricketing careers, despite being displaced from their home country.
“We are deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and ensuring every cricketer has the opportunity to shine, regardless of their circumstances,” said Jay Shah, Chairman of the ICC.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board had maintained a women’s squad of 25 players as recently as 2020. However, following the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, most of these players have sought refuge in countries including Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Since taking control, the Taliban has imposed widespread restrictions on women, including a ban on participation in sports—effectively dismantling the progress made by Afghan women in cricket and other athletic arenas.
Meanwhile, the Afghanistan men’s national cricket team has faced criticism over its perceived alignment with Taliban authorities. The controversy intensified after more than 160 British politicians signed an open letter calling for the cancellation of England’s scheduled matches against Afghanistan. The England and Wales Cricket Board, however, did not act on the request.
Despite the growing concerns, the ICC previously decided against sanctioning the Afghanistan men’s team, stating that athletes should not be penalised for the actions or policies of their country’s ruling regime.
