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In a groundbreaking move, International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Jay Shah has announced a major initiative to support exiled Afghanistan women cricketers ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
Jay Shah steps up to the crease for women’s cricket future
After the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, many Afghan women, including talented cricketers, were forced to flee the country due to strict bans on education, sports, and public participation. With support already extended by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Cricket Australia (CA) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the ICC has now stepped in with a dedicated fund and high-performance programme aimed at reviving the dreams of these displaced athletes. Shah’s vision not only reaffirms the ICC’s commitment to inclusivity but also breathes new life into a team that once faced extinction.
Shah’s announcement marks a turning point in cricket’s global mission. The ICC will set up a support fund for Afghan women cricketers who now live in exile, providing them with coaching, financial aid, and structured training. The move is part of a broader initiative that includes a task force dedicated to ensuring these players can continue their professional journeys. Shah, who previously served as BCCI president, emphasized the ICC’s dedication to giving every cricketer – regardless of their background or circumstances – an equal opportunity to shine.
“At the International Cricket Council, 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 task force and support fund, complemented by a comprehensive high-performance programme, to ensure displaced Afghan women cricketers can continue their journey in the sport,” Shah stated in an ICC media release.
I'm proud to announce on behalf of the @ICC a landmark initiative we've partnered on with the BCCI, England & Wales Cricket Board and Cricket Australia to assist displaced Afghan women cricketers in both their cricketing and development journeys.
Media release:… pic.twitter.com/Rf3n0ZBy53
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) April 13, 2025
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Afghani women cricketer’s message of hope and resilience
The ICC’s action sends a strong message: that the spirit of the sport can triumph over oppression. Earlier this year, exiled Afghan women cricketers played a landmark match against a Cricket Without Borders XI in Canberra – an emotional and symbolic event that showcased their undying love for the game. Seventeen Afghan players had also written to the ICC, seeking help in establishing a formal setup in Australia. Their plea has now received a powerful response.
Firooza Amiri, one of the leading voices among the exiled players, has earlier urged Afghanistan’s men’s team to speak up for their female counterparts. With the ICC’s support, these women now have more than just a platform – they have a purpose. Cricket, for them, is not just a sport; it’s a form of resistance, a way to reclaim their identity, and a beacon of hope in the face of adversity.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
