The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled a plan to allow Afghan refugee women cricketers to compete in international qualifying tournaments through 2030, marking the first formal pathway for the displaced players to participate in global cricket.
The initiative comes as Afghan women remain unable to represent Afghanistan due to restrictions imposed by the Taliban government and the absence of support from the Afghanistan Cricket Board. Instead, the players will compete under a separate identity in international competitions.
ICC Reactivates Task Force
The ICC has reactivated a dedicated task force to oversee the team’s development, including coaching, training camps, competitive matches and long-term player support.
Under the programme, the players will receive access to coaching, physiotherapy, high-performance training and international tours to prepare for global qualifying events.
Players Living Abroad Since 2021
Most members of the group relocated to Australia after 2021, while others are now based in the United Kingdom and Canada.
The players competed together for the first time in Melbourne in 2025 and later toured India and England as part of their development.
The cricketers welcomed the ICC’s decision, saying it provides a clear pathway to compete at the international level despite the challenges they have faced.
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