The decision does not mean that the women can play as Afghanistan, as they remain without the backing of the ACB as the Taliban-led Afghan government continues to severely curtail women’s rights, but it will allow the team to play competitive cricket at the international level under a different name.
The ICC’s Special Taskforce includes representatives from the BCCI, the ECB and Cricket Australia who have now been joined by new ICC independent director Dr Ros Rivaz and ICC Chief Executives’ Committee member Sarah Keane, the CEO of Cricket Ireland. Together, these members will develop a plan to ensure the Afghan women’s refugee XI have a programme of training and fixtures to build towards 2030. Should it succeed, an Afghan women’s team could play international cricket for the first time.
For the players, the latter, especially, keeps them connected. “This programme has already made a real difference to us, not only by helping us continue playing cricket, but by enabling us to come together and play as a team,” Nahida Sapan, an Afghan refugee woman cricketer said in an ICC statement. “It’s very reassuring to hear that the ICC and the Task Force are making a long-term commitment to supporting our development. We appreciate the recognition that we have the same rights and opportunities as players of other countries.”
“It sends a powerful message that talent and determination deserve opportunity. These players are role models, inspiring women and girls around the world, and it’s exciting to see a long-term pathway that balances development with meaningful competition while recognising their unique journey. The progress they’ve made over the past year has been extraordinary, and I can’t wait to see what this team achieves by 2030.”
