Afghan Women's Cricket Team Rebuilds Hope in Exile After Taliban Ban

The Afghanistan women's cricket team, forced into exile after the Taliban's resurgence in 2021, is making a determined effort to revive their sporting dreams. Scattered across the globe, primarily in Australia, these athletes are fighting for recognition, support, and the chance to represent their nation once again, even if it's under a different banner. Their journey highlights the challenges faced by women in Afghanistan under the current regime and the power of sport to transcend political boundaries.

A Team Disrupted

The seeds of women's cricket in Afghanistan were sown in the 2010s, but progress was consistently hampered by societal resistance and security concerns. Despite these obstacles, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) took a significant step forward in November 2020 by awarding professional contracts to 25 female cricketers. This landmark decision offered a glimmer of hope for the future of women's sports in the country. However, this progress was abruptly halted when the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021. The new regime swiftly banned women from participating in organized sports, effectively disbanding the national team and forcing many players to flee their homes.

Finding Refuge and Rebuilding

Most of the national team players sought refuge in Australia, where they have been working to rebuild their lives and careers. Settling in cities like Melbourne and Canberra, they have joined local club teams and continued to hone their skills. Despite the challenges of displacement and the uncertainty surrounding their future, their passion for cricket remains undiminished.

In January 2025, a symbolic moment occurred when a team of exiled Afghan players, calling themselves the Afghanistan Women's XI, played their first match in over three years. The Twenty20 (T20) match, held in Melbourne against a Cricket Without Borders XI, was more than just a game; it was a statement of resilience and a call for change. Captain Nahida Sapan expressed her hope that the match would "open doors for Afghan women in education and sport in the future."

The Fight for Recognition

The Afghan women cricketers have been actively lobbying the International Cricket Council (ICC) for official recognition and support. They have requested the opportunity to form a refugee team that could compete internationally, giving them a platform to represent their country and inspire other Afghan women. In a joint letter, the players expressed their "profound sadness" at not being able to represent Afghanistan like their male counterparts.

However, the ICC has so far declined to recognize the team, citing Afghanistan's national laws as the primary obstacle. The Afghanistan Cricket Board retains its ICC membership despite not meeting the requirement to support women's cricket, a situation that has drawn criticism from various quarters.

ICC Steps Up Support

Despite the lack of official recognition, the ICC has recently taken steps to support the Afghan women cricketers. In April 2025, the ICC announced a targeted financial support program, partnering with cricket governing bodies in Australia, India, and England to provide funding, coaching, and access to facilities. This initiative aims to assist the displaced players in their journey back to international competition. Jay Shah, Chairman of the ICC, emphasized the council's commitment to equal opportunity, stating that "every cricketer deserves the platform to excel, regardless of their background."

A Long Road Ahead

The journey for the Afghan women's cricket team is far from over. While the recent exhibition match and the ICC's support program offer a glimmer of hope, significant challenges remain. The Taliban's ban on women's sports in Afghanistan continues to prevent the development of a domestic women's cricket structure. The team was excluded from the 2025 Women's Cricket World Cup qualifiers. The ICC faces mounting pressure to address the disparity between its treatment of the Afghan men's and women's teams.

Despite these obstacles, the Afghan women cricketers remain determined to pursue their dreams and advocate for the rights of women in their country. Their resilience and dedication serve as an inspiration to athletes and advocates worldwide. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has established a dedicated taskforce to bring targeted funding, elite coaching, and access to world-class facilities.

A Symbol of Hope

The story of the Afghanistan women's cricket team is a testament to the power of sport to unite, inspire, and transcend political barriers. These athletes, displaced and facing adversity, are determined to keep their dreams alive and use their platform to advocate for change. While the road ahead is uncertain, their courage and resilience offer a beacon of hope for Afghan women and girls, demonstrating that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, the spirit of sport can endure.