ICC supports Afghan cricket by strengthening its backing for displaced women cricketers who were forced to flee the country following the Taliban’s 2021 takeover. The governing body announced new measures during its annual conference in Singapore to help members of the Afghan women’s cricket team return to the field.
Many of these women now live in exile, with several relocating to Australia, where they played an unofficial match earlier this year in Melbourne. Although they wore no official crest, their determination drew international attention. The Taliban’s ban on female participation in sports has disrupted many athletic careers. This makes the ICC’s new support especially vital for Afghan women cricketers.
The ICC has announced progress in its women’s cricket initiative for Afghanistan. The programme is designed to reintegrate exiled athletes into professional environments and competitions. This marks another step forward as ICC supports Afghan cricket not just diplomatically, but practically and structurally.
Afghan Women’s Cricket Team to Join Global Events Under New ICC Plan
The ICC programme offers structured development opportunities for Afghan women cricketers. These include domestic matches and exposure to international events. Notably, the players will have the chance to participate in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England. These events provide a vital platform for players from the Afghan women’s cricket team to showcase their skills.
The programme also includes coaching workshops, mentorship sessions, and networking with top international cricketers. As ICC supports Afghan cricket, it aims to ensure these women are not left behind, despite the political challenges in their home country.
This collaborative initiative is being led by the cricket boards of India, England, and Australia. It is guided by ICC Deputy Chair Imran Khwaja.. Together, they aim to support Afghan women in sports and ensure that talent is not silenced due to geopolitical barriers.
Empowering Afghan Women in Cricket Through Global Collaboration
This ICC effort highlights the growing awareness of the challenges faced by Afghan women in cricket. Despite threats and restrictions, these women remain deeply committed to the sport. The programme is designed not only to provide game time, but also to offer emotional and professional support.
Workshops and mentoring sessions will enable Afghan women cricketers to interact with players from other nations, fostering solidarity and opening doors to future opportunities. By including these women in global cricket conversations, the ICC supports Afghan cricket with meaningful action. This approach is both inclusive and empowering.
The ICC’s continued involvement sends a powerful message of solidarity. It shows that the global cricket community stands with Afghan women in sports, even when their own country silences them. The ICC supports Afghan cricket for the fifth time in its public statements, reaffirming its commitment to displaced women cricketers. This shows that the global cricket community will not allow politics to silence their contributions and potential.
