ICC Unveils Groundbreaking Initiative to Empower Displaced Afghan Women Cricketers
In a powerful stride towards inclusivity and global unity in cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced a landmark initiative on Sunday to support displaced Afghan women cricketers. Unveiled in New Delhi, this program is a beacon of hope for athletes who have been uprooted from their homeland due to ongoing political turmoil. Partnering with cricketing powerhouses such as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and Cricket Australia, the ICC aims to provide comprehensive assistance to these talented women, ensuring they can continue to pursue their passion for the game.
The heart of this initiative lies in the establishment of a dedicated task force and a special support fund. This fund will offer direct financial assistance to Afghan women cricketers, helping them overcome economic barriers and focus on their careers. Beyond financial aid, the ICC has committed to rolling out a robust high-performance program. This will grant access to elite coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and personalized mentorship, ensuring these athletes receive the training and guidance needed to compete at the highest levels.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah expressed his pride in this initiative, stating, ‘At the International Cricket Council, we are unwavering in our commitment to fostering inclusivity and providing every cricketer the chance to excel, no matter their circumstances. Through this task force, support fund, and high-performance program, we aim to nurture the dreams of displaced Afghan women cricketers. This reflects cricket’s incredible power to inspire unity, resilience, and hope across the globe.’
The ICC envisions this program not only as a means to preserve the cricketing careers of these women but also as a testament to the sport’s role as a unifying force. Cricket has long been a source of inspiration in Afghanistan, with the national men’s team rising to prominence despite adversity. However, women cricketers in the country have faced immense challenges, particularly since the political changes in 2021, which led many to flee. According to ICC estimates, over 25 Afghan women cricketers are currently seeking refuge in various countries, desperate to continue their careers. This initiative aims to provide them with a platform to rebuild their lives through the sport they love.
In addition to this historic announcement, the ICC Board also took the opportunity to finalize other key decisions during their meeting in New Delhi. The audited financial statements for the year ending 2024 were approved, reflecting the organization’s strong fiscal health. Furthermore, significant committee appointments were confirmed, signaling the ICC’s focus on strengthening governance across all formats of the game.
Following recommendations from the Chief Executives Committee, the ICC announced the following appointments: The ICC Women’s Cricket Committee will see Catherine Campbell (re-appointed), Avril Fahey, and Pholetsi Moseki steering efforts to promote women’s cricket globally. Meanwhile, the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee welcomed Sourav Ganguly as the re-appointed Chair, alongside new and returning members including Hamid Hassan, Desmond Haynes, Temba Bavuma, VVS Laxman (re-appointed), and Jonathan Trott. These appointments underline the ICC’s commitment to blending experience with fresh perspectives in shaping the future of cricket.
This initiative for Afghan women cricketers is a reminder of cricket’s deeper purpose beyond the boundary. It is a sport that transcends borders, heals wounds, and builds bridges. As the ICC takes this bold step, the global cricketing community watches with admiration, hopeful that these displaced athletes will soon grace the field again, showcasing their talent and inspiring millions around the world.