Contents
A Journey of Resilience: Afghan Women’s Team Heads to England
In a significant development for the global cricket community, the Afghanistan Refugee Women’s cricket team is set to embark on a tour of England this June. This initiative, hosted by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) with the backing of the MCC, the MCC Foundation, and the sports consultancy It’s Game On, serves as both a competitive opportunity and a poignant statement on the right to participate in sport.
The Path to Exile
The story of these athletes is one of profound courage. In November 2020, the Afghanistan Cricket Board took a progressive step by conducting women’s cricket trials in Kabul, ultimately contracting 25 players. However, this momentum was abruptly halted in August 2021 when the Taliban returned to power. The subsequent regime imposed a ban on women and girls participating in almost all facets of public life, including sport, effectively forcing these cricketers into exile.
Today, the majority of these players reside in Australia. Despite facing the immense challenge of displacement, they have refused to let their dreams fade. While their formal efforts to be recognized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) as a team in exile have not yet yielded the desired result, the players have remained undeterred. They previously competed as an Afghanistan Refugee XI against a Cricket Without Borders side during the 2025 Women’s Ashes in Australia and attended the 50-over World Cup in India as spectators, ensuring their visibility remains high.
A Tour of Purpose and Play
Starting June 22, the England tour will provide these athletes with vital training opportunities and a series of T20 matches. Beyond the pitch, the trip serves as a platform to highlight the ongoing struggles of female athletes living in displacement. Mel Jones, former Australian cricketer and co-founder of It’s Game On, has been instrumental in organizing this initiative alongside Emma Staples and Dr. Catherine Ordway.
Jones emphasized that while this tour is a victory, it is merely one step in a much longer marathon for equality. ‘These players have shown extraordinary courage and commitment to the game, despite everything that has been taken from them,’ Jones stated. ‘They deserve more opportunities like this; they deserve to be recognized as part of the global cricket community. Moments like this matter, but we need to see plans for sustained and meaningful action beyond this year.’
The Global Cricket Community Responds
The ECB’s involvement signals a strong stance on inclusion. Clare Connor, ECB Deputy CEO and Managing Director of England Women, highlighted the organization’s commitment to supporting these players. ‘Since being displaced from Afghanistan in 2021, these players have shown extraordinary resilience in continuing their cricket journeys, in incredibly challenging circumstances,’ Connor said. ‘Cricket has a responsibility to stand for inclusion and opportunity, and we are proud to be hosting this tour and supporting the players in deepening their connection to the game.’
Looking Ahead: The T20 World Cup
The culmination of this tour will see the team join the crowd at the T20 Women’s World Cup final at Lord’s. This symbolic finale offers the players a chance to celebrate their sport on one of cricket’s most iconic stages. As they continue their journey, their presence serves as a reminder to governing bodies and fans alike that the spirit of the game transcends borders and political barriers. Their commitment to cricket, despite the loss of their home, is a testament to the transformative power of sport in the face of adversity.
The international community will be watching this tour closely, not only for the cricket matches played but for the message it sends about the necessity of protecting the rights of female athletes globally. The road ahead remains difficult, but by taking to the field in England, these women are proving that their passion for the game cannot be silenced.