The International Cricket Council (ICC) has joined hands with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Cricket Australia (CA) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to support the exiled Afghanistan women cricketers. After the Taliban took charge of Afghanistan in 2021, several women fled the country due to the restrictions imposed on them.
Firooza Amiri, Nahida Sapan and other cricketers took exile in Australia where they have played club cricket. The apex cricket board will set up a dedicated fund for coaching and monetary assistance, helping the exiled Afghan cricketers take steps in their career.
Women in Afghanistan are barred from studying, cooking, playing sports and other activities under Taliban rule. ICC chairman Jay Shah, also a former BCCI president, made the announcement.
“At the International Cricket Council, we are deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and ensuring every cricketer has the opportunity to shine, regardless of their circumstances. In collaboration with our valued partners, we are proud to launch this task force and support fund, complemented by a comprehensive high-performance programme, to ensure displaced Afghan women cricketers can continue their journey in the sport,” Shah said as per an ICC media release.
This initiative reflects our steadfast dedication to cricket’s global growth and its power to inspire unity, resilience, and hope.”
