Cricket Enthusiasts Celebrate Afghan Men’s Success, Seek Refugee Team for Women

Seventeen female cricketers, previously contracted by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) before the Taliban takeover in 2020, have appealed to the ICC for assistance in establishing a refugee team based in Australia. This request comes amidst the remarkable run of the Afghan men’s team, who reached the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup, capturing global attention.

Plea for a Refugee Team

In a letter addressed to ICC Chair Greg Barclay, the players acknowledged the challenges posed by the Afghan government’s policies, which prevent the ACB and the ICC from recognizing them as a national team. Instead, they have asked to be administered by the East Asian Cricket office based in Australia, allowing them to “represent all Afghan women who dream of playing cricket but are unable to in Afghanistan.”

The players expressed their joy at the achievements of the Afghan men’s team, while reflecting on their own plight. “A profound sadness remains that we, as women, cannot represent our country like the male cricketers,” the letter read.

Challenges for Afghan Women Cricketers

The ACB had contracted 25 women’s players in November 2020, with plans to develop a slow progression of fixtures, including a potential tour to Oman. However, the Taliban’s takeover and the subsequent ban on women’s participation in sports halted these efforts.

Many of the Afghan female cricketers and footballers have sought refuge abroad, with a significant proportion now living in Australia, the UK, and Canada. While they continue to play cricket at local clubs, they have not yet been able to formalize themselves into a representative team.

In their letter, the exiled players emphasized their goals of “developing and showcasing our talent, giving hope to the women remaining in Afghanistan, and drawing attention to the challenges women of Afghanistan face.” They aspire to compete at the highest levels, just like the Afghan men’s team, and wish to recruit and train more girls and women who love cricket to showcase the talent of Afghan women.

ICC’s Response Awaited

The ICC’s response to this request remains to be seen, as the governing body is currently unable to offer official status to the players due to the lack of recognition from the ACB, which is constrained by the Taliban’s position on women’s participation in sports.

The plight of the Afghan women cricketers serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by female athletes in the country, even as their male counterparts continue to excel on the global stage.

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