The International Cricket Council (ICC) along with three other cricket unions are set to lend a helping hand to the female cricketers of Afghanistan. The cricket body revealed it will form a dedicated task force as it aims to support displaced Afghan women cricketers. The sports body will partner with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and Cricket Australia (CA) as they look to provide meaningful support to marginalised women.
One of the initiatives will see a fund set up as a means to provide financial support to the Afghan cricketers. It will provide direct monetary assistance, ensuring these cricketers have the necessary resources to continue pursuing the game they love. This will be complemented by a robust high-performance program offering advanced coaching, world-class facilities, and tailored mentorship to help them reach their full potential.
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Commenting on the initiative, ICC Chairman Jay Shah said: “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, complemented by a comprehensive high-performance program, to ensure displaced Afghan women cricketers can continue their journey in the sport. This initiative reflects our steadfast dedication to cricket’s global growth and its power to inspire unity, resilience, and hope.”
ICC Chairman, Jay Shah
The ICC believes this initiative will not only help preserve the sporting careers of Afghan women cricketers but also reinforce the sport’s role as a unifying force that transcends borders and adversity.
The boost comes at a time when the players are hoping that their return to the game will be imminent as they look to participate in international competition.
Speaking on the Sports Ambassador podcast hosted by journalist Tracey Holmes, Afghanistan women’s captain Nahida Sapan said the news came as quite a surprise, but it’s one she welcomes wholeheartedly.
“When I heard it, it was more than special. It is huge news not just for me, not just for the Afghan Women’s cricket team but it’s big news for Afghan women, Afghanistan, and around the world, it’s a lot of hope.”
Afghanistan Women’s Cricket Captain, Nahida Sapan
Afghanistan Cricket Board contracted 25 women cricketers in 2020 who have since had to leave the country as the Taliban-led government has imposed strict laws that restrict women from public life. This has meant the players’ careers have stalled and they are in need of meaningful assistance since leaving the Asian country.
Several players left the country and now reside in Australia, living in either Melbourne or Canberra. This is where they are getting support from Pitch Our Future, since arriving Down Under in 2021 the women have been ‘learning English, getting back on the field, navigating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, making friendships anew and brick by brick, rebuilding their lives.”
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In January of this year, an Afghanistan Women’s XI played a Cricket Without Borders XI and exhibition match at Melbourne’s Junction Oval. The team included 21 female players formerly contracted to the Afghanistan Cricket Board.
In a previous interview with SkySports News Afghanistan, cricketer Firooza Amiri had this to say on the future of the team: “It’s time for ICC to take action and recognise us as a national team, and let us compete on the world stage, or recognise us as a refugee team, then we can represent Afghanistan.”
This move will provide the utmost support for her along with other players is just what is needed to help, the ICC has yet to share the details of the initiative and where the funds will come from but for now, the women of Afghanistan cricket breathe a sigh of relief as they look to piece their career’s back together.
Original Copy: ICC, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: The International Cricket Council (ICC) along with three cricket unions are set to lend a helping hand to the female cricketers of Afghanistan, with a dedicated task force to be created to support displaced Afghan women cricketers. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Afghanistan Cricket Board contracted cricketers’ careers have stalled, and they need of assistance since leaving their home for the sport they love.
Photo 3 Caption: The ICC will partner with India’s BCCI, the England and Wales’s ECB and Cricket Australia to provide meaningful support to the group.
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