Afghan Women’s Refugee Cricket Team Returns to International Stage
Maryam Tariq
Afghan Women’s Cricket Returns to the World Stage
The Afghanistan women’s refugee cricket team is set to return to international cricket with a tour of England in June, marking a major step in their long struggle to stay in the sport after being forced out of their home country.
The team is made up of former Afghanistan Cricket Board players who left the country after the Taliban returned to power and restricted women from participating in sports and public life. Since then, many of these athletes have resettled in Australia and continued training and playing in domestic competitions, even without official international status.
A New Chapter in England
The tour, organised with support from the England and Wales Cricket Board, will include Twenty20 matches, training sessions, and an invitation to attend the Women’s T20 World Cup final at Lord’s. Officials have described the tour as an important step for inclusion and representation in cricket.
Recognition and Support
While Afghanistan’s official women’s national team remains inactive under current governance rules, this refugee side has been backed by advocates and former players working to keep their careers alive. Support groups and cricket figures have highlighted their resilience and commitment despite years of exclusion.
Beyond Cricket
For the players, this is not only about sport. It represents continuity, identity, and visibility after years of uncertainty. Their return to the international stage highlights the wider link between sports, rights, and access for women worldwide.
Sources: Al-Jazeera
