ICC launches Fund to Support Afghanistan’s Women Cricketers in Exile
The ICC has launched a special fund to support Afghanistan’s exiled women cricketers, aiding their training, growth, and opportunities abroad.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced a new initiative on April 13, 2025, to support Afghanistan’s women cricketers in exile. Due to the challenging political and security situation in Afghanistan, many of these athletes have been forced to leave their country.
As part of this initiative, the ICC has established a special fund to provide direct financial assistance to Afghanistan women cricketers. This fund aims to ensure that the athletes can continue their sporting activities despite the difficult circumstances they face in exile.
In addition to financial support, a comprehensive training program will be implemented. This program will include advanced coaching, sports facilities, and expert counseling to help the players improve their skills and continue their professional development.
ICC Chairman, Jay Amitbhai Shah, expressed the organization’s commitment to promoting inclusivity in cricket. He emphasized that every cricketer should have the opportunity to shine, regardless of the challenges they face.
The initiative will be carried out in collaboration with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and Cricket Australia. These organizations have agreed to support the development of Afghanistan women cricketers through this comprehensive approach.
Reports indicate that many of these Afghanistan women cricketers, who once held official contracts, sought asylum in Australia after the Taliban imposed strict limitations. As a result, both Australia and England have announced that they will only compete against Afghanistan in ICC tournaments, refusing to play bilateral series with the team under Taliban rule.
The ICC’s support for Afghanistan women cricketers marks a significant step in fostering inclusivity in sports. The collaboration with various cricket boards aims to provide a platform for these athletes to continue their careers and inspire future generations. This initiative also highlights the global cricket community’s role in advocating for the rights of women athletes in challenging circumstances.
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