Displaced Afghan women cricketers will have the opportunity to participate in upcoming ICC global tournaments, including the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India and the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England, under a new support programme announced at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Annual Conference in Singapore.
The ICC Board received an update on the initiative, which is being delivered through a collaborative effort involving the ICC, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and Cricket Australia (CA). The programme is being overseen by ICC Deputy Chair Mr Imran Khwaja.
The initiative aims to provide “structured support through high-performance initiatives, domestic playing opportunities, and engagement at key ICC global events,” according to the ICC.
“In line with ICC’s initiative for supporting the displaced women cricketers of Afghan descent, the players will receive key engagement opportunities at ICC events, including the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 and the T20 World Cup next year in England, as well as through high-performance initiatives and domestic playing opportunities,” according to the ICC.
The move comes as Afghan women continue to face severe restrictions on participating in sports in their home country. The ICC’s programme offers them a pathway to continue their cricketing journeys in exile and to compete at the highest level.
Further details about player participation and preparations for the tournaments are expected in the coming months.
