ICC Take Steps to Recognise Afghan Women’s Team
Afghanistan’s displaced female cricketers are a step closer to being recognised
The ICC has announced the formation of a taskforce as well as provide monetary assistance and pathways to Afghanistan’s Female cricketers, who were forced to flee their homeland under the Taliban regime.
Cricket boards in Australia, India and England and Wales will also be involved.
The move is the first real tangible commitment from the sport’s governing body to the Afghanistan Women’s team in the journey to recognise them for competition.
ICC chairman Jay Shah said:
"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 taskforce and support fund, complemented by a comprehensive high-performance programme, to ensure displaced Afghan women cricketers can continue their journey in the sport.
"This initiative reflects our steadfast dedication to cricket's global growth and its power to inspire unity, resilience and hope."
HER WAY spoke to one of those players, Shafiqa Khan, about the ongoing battle for the women to play for their country in a recent episode of HER WAY HER STORY.
You can listen to that episode below.
Shafiqa Khan
Shafiqa Khan was a cricket-loving teenager in Afghanistan, whose life was up-ended when the Taliban took control of the country, banning girls and women from playing any kind of sport.