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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the formation of a taskforce aimed at supporting Afghan women cricketers who were forced into exile following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
Since the regime change, women’s participation in sports has been effectively outlawed in Afghanistan, leaving many of the country’s top female players displaced and without a pathway to continue their cricketing journey.
The taskforce will receive support from key ICC members, including the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Cricket Australia, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
According to the ICC, a dedicated fund will be set up to provide direct financial assistance to the players, ensuring they have the resources needed to continue pursuing the sport they love.
Alongside financial support, the initiative includes a high-performance programme featuring elite coaching, access to world-class facilities, and mentorship tailored to each player’s development.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah called the move a reflection of the game’s inclusive spirit.
“We are deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and ensuring every cricketer has the opportunity to shine, regardless of their circumstances,” Shah stated. “This initiative is a symbol of cricket’s power to inspire unity, resilience and hope.”
The ECB has also thrown its weight behind the initiative. Chief Executive Richard Gould said, “We’ve consistently advocated for meaningful support for Afghan female players, and this initiative is a positive step forward.”
“These women deserve every opportunity to thrive, even if they can’t currently play in their own country.”
The ICC’s full membership criteria require countries to have a functioning national women’s team — a standard Afghanistan currently does not meet.
Yet, the men’s team has continued to operate, playing in major ICC events, including the 2023 T20 World Cup semi-finals and the 2025 Champions Trophy.
England’s match against Afghanistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 went ahead as scheduled, despite political pressure from UK lawmakers urging a boycott due to the Taliban’s policies.
With this new taskforce and support system, the ICC aims to ensure that Afghan women cricketers aren’t left behind — offering them not just a chance to play but to hope again.
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