The Afghanistan women's cricket team, severely impacted by the Taliban's resurgence in 2021, faces an uncertain future as female participation in sports has been effectively banned in the nation. This circumstance has drawn significant attention recently, with British politicians urging the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to reconsider playing against Afghanistan's men's team in an upcoming Champions Trophy match. Over twenty members of the national women's team fled Afghanistan in search of safety and a chance to continue their cricketing careers.
In their quest for recognition, the team has sought acknowledgment from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to play alongside their male counterparts. Firooza Amiri, a prominent member of the women's national team, has openly criticized the ICC for its lack of support. Despite the challenges, Amiri and her teammates express pride in the Afghanistan men's team, which has retained its full Test-match status.
"There is one cricket ground in Afghanistan. The men's team came from nothing, they fought hard to be where they are today," Amiri remarked.
The ICC has established a working group aimed at engaging with Afghanistan's government representatives to leverage cricket as a catalyst for change. The organization remains committed to staying closely involved with the evolving situation. However, Amiri points out that the ICC's efforts have fallen short of their needs.
"Cricket Australia have done more for us than the ICC have," she stated.
As part of their efforts to keep cricket alive, the Afghanistan women's team recently participated in an exhibition match against a Cricket Without Borders XI in Melbourne. This event highlighted their resilience and determination to continue playing despite the obstacles. Amiri shared that she had to leave many friends behind in Afghanistan, although her parents managed to join her. Learning English became essential for her to secure employment and adapt to life away from home.
The ECB has voiced its support for the women's team by calling on the ICC to take decisive action. Richard Gould, the ECB's chief executive, emphasized the need for reform within the ICC's working group, advocating for a more inclusive composition beyond its current male-only membership. The women's team had initially inquired whether they could play as a refugee side, a request that remains unapproved.
"We've sent many messages asking for help because we've sacrificed so much to be here," Amiri expressed.
Amiri's passion for cricket and belief in its power to transcend boundaries remains undeterred.
"Cricket can break boundaries, so we want to keep hopes alive – we want to play and educate," she explained.
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