The International Cricket Council has launched a major initiative to assist Afghan women cricketers forced into exile after the Taliban regime halted all women’s sporting activities in Afghanistan. In collaboration with the BCCI, ECB, and Cricket Australia, the ICC has created a dedicated task force and funding program to rebuild these players’ cricketing careers.
Following the political shift in Afghanistan in 2021, the national women’s team was dismantled. Most players fled the country, with many finding safety in Australia and other nations. Since then, they have been unable to participate in any international competition.
The ICC is introducing a new fund providing direct financial assistance to support these athletes. This support is intended to help players cover personal and professional expenses as they rebuild their lives and careers in new environments.
In addition, the ICC will roll out a high-performance development program. This initiative includes elite coaching, access to top-tier facilities, and personalized training plans. The goal is to help these cricketers regain competitive form and give them a pathway back into the professional game.
This action follows increased pressure on the ICC to respond, with lawmakers in countries like the UK urging the body to penalize the Afghanistan Cricket Board for failing to promote women’s cricket. During recent international tournaments, some politicians even suggested boycotts of Afghanistan’s fixtures as a protest.
In January 2025, a significant milestone was reached when an Afghan women’s XI played an exhibition match in Melbourne. Organized in partnership with the Cricket Without Borders charity, it was their first appearance on the field in years.
ICC Chair Jay Shah emphasized the broader vision behind the initiative:
“We are fully committed to creating opportunities for every cricketer, regardless of their background or challenges. Through this task force and high-performance program, we aim to offer displaced Afghan women cricketers the structure and support they need to continue their journey in the sport. Cricket has the power to connect people, build resilience, and inspire hope.”
Although there is still no clear timeline for Afghanistan’s women’s team to return to official competition, this global initiative sets the groundwork for long-term development and integration.
Meanwhile, the ICC has finalized its latest committee appointments. Sourav Ganguly remains the chair of the Men’s Cricket Committee, with members including Hamid Hassan, Desmond Haynes, Temba Bavuma, VVS Laxman, and Jonathan Trott. The Women’s Cricket Committee features Catherine Campbell, Avril Fahey, and Pholetsi Moseki.