The International Cricket Council (ICC) has strengthened its commitment to Afghan refugee women cricketers by supporting the continuation of its Development Pathway program and setting a target of integrating the team into ICC qualification events by 2030. The decision was confirmed during the ICC annual conference in Edinburgh, where the governing body also reconstituted a special task force to draw up a long-term roadmap for the team.

The move is a big milestone for a group of players who had cricket dreams Shattered after the return of Taliban to power in Afghanistan In August 2021. The regime’s restrictions on women’s education and sport effectively destroyed women’s cricket in the country, forcing dozens of players to flee and rebuild their lives in exile. Many eventually found refuge in Australia, while others settled in England and Canada.

The revised task force also includes representatives from the BCCI, Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), as well as ICC Independent Director Dr Ross Rivas and ICC Chief Executive Committee member Sarah Keane. Its mandate is to develop a sustainable high-performance structure that can allow refugee teams to participate in ICC qualification pathways by the end of the decade.

“I am honored to join the ICC Special Task Force and contribute to this important initiative,” said Dr. Rivaz.

“The task force is tasked with developing a clear and sustainable roadmap that supports the continued development of Afghan refugee women cricketers through structured coaching, meaningful competitive opportunities and appropriate high-performance pathways.”

From Taliban rule to exile

The Afghanistan Cricket Board had given contracts to 25 female players in early 2021, but the Taliban takeover at the end of that year brought an abrupt end to organized women’s cricket in the country. Many players were forced to go into hiding before fleeing Afghanistan through dangerous routes.

Australia has played an important role in saving the team. Cricket Australia helped secure humanitarian visas for many players and their families, as well as integrate them into local clubs and training programs. The refugee side played their first match in exile under the name “Afghan Women’s XI” in Melbourne in January 2025.

The ICC subsequently established a dedicated support program in partnership with Cricket Australia, the ECB and the BCCI, providing funding, coaching, fitness assistance and training opportunities in their adopted countries.

England’s support and the path to 2030

England has also emerged as a major partner in the revival of Afghan women’s cricket. Over the past year, the ECB has helped organize tours and training camps, giving players a chance to reunite and compete together. The tours of India and England have strengthened the players’ belief that international cricket is within their reach.

Afghan refugee cricketer Firozha Afghan spoke about the importance of those opportunities.

“Over the past year, the opportunities to come together as a group and tour India and England have provided us with some of the most memorable experiences in our lives. The support of training with quality trainers at our home venues has played a big role in our progress,” he said.

“The long-term view of participation in the ICC Qualification Pathways gives us a clear goal to work towards, and we are determined to make the most of every opportunity during that journey.”

For Afghan players, the ICC’s 2030 target is much more than a cricket milestone. It provides hope that despite displacement and years of uncertainty, they will once again have the opportunity to compete on the international stage.

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