The BCCI and its English and Australian counterparts have joined hands to support Afghan women cricketers. It’s an International Cricket Council initiative, as the global body under the leadership of its chair Jay Shah has announced the formation of a dedicated task force to help the cricketers who are living in exile. The decision was taken at the ICC Board meeting in Zimbabwe.
The ICC in association with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Australia (CA) will “assist these talented athletes in both their cricketing and personal development journeys”.
The ICC will establish a dedicated fund “to provide direct monetary assistance” to help the displaced Afghan women cricketers to continue playing the game they love. A “robust high-performance programme offering advanced coaching, world-class facilities, and tailored mentorship” will complement it.
“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,” Shah said on the initiative.
He added: “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. This initiative reflects our steadfast dedication to cricket’s global growth and its power to inspire unity, resilience and hope.”
The Taliban banned women from pursuing/playing sport after taking control of the country in 2021. A total of 21 female Afghan cricketers, previously contracted by the Afghanistan Cricket Board, had assembled for a cricket match in Australia in January. Afghanistan are a Full Member of the ICC but they don’t have a women’s cricket team. The game’s governing body is aware of the complicated situation but it has been working steadily for inclusivity.
The ICC initiative will help preserve the careers of Afghan women cricketers.