ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Afghanistan’s exiled women cricketers have received a major boost with the International Cricket Council (ICC) launching a fund and task force to support them.
Afghanistan had 25 women cricketers on contract in 2020, most of whom later resettled in Australia on humanitarian visas due to restrictions at home under the Taliban government.
The game’s governing body said after its board meeting in Harare that it had joined with the cricket boards of India, England and Australia to sustain their careers.
“As part of the initiative, the ICC will establish a dedicated fund to provide direct monetary assistance, ensuring these [Afghan women] cricketers have the resources they need to continue pursuing the game they love,” the ICC statement said. It however, didn’t give any financial details.
“No bilateral cricket with Afghanistan”
England and Australia have ruled out bilateral cricket with Afghanistan over the women’s rights issue and play them only in ICC-organised events like the World Cups and Champions Trophy.
“We are deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and ensuring every cricketer has the opportunity to shine, regardless of their circumstances,” ICC chairman Jay Shah said.
“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.”
