In a statement, the International Cricket Council (ICC) reiterated its commitment to assisting the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). Yet, of late, it has published pronouncements that funding will be maintained indefinitely at around £13 million a year, with no cuts on the horizon. This decision comes in light of the ongoing struggles faced by Afghanistan’s women’s cricket team, which seeks recognition as a refugee team and is grappling with the implications of the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, which has outlawed women’s sports in the country.
In January, Afghanistan’s Women’s XI played an exhibition match in Melbourne, marking a significant step toward gaining visibility and support. The team’s wish to be recognized as a refugee team speaks to the extreme situations they have come from and their ongoing need for international support and protection. The ICC understands the difficulties these players face every day. We are pleased that they recently launched an initiative to help those Afghan athletes who have been displaced.
The ICC is aware of the extraordinary difficulties Afghan women cricketers are experiencing. The future is very grim indeed as far as men’s official international matches is concerned. The ACB stands as the only full ICC member without a women’s team, a situation that reflects the broader restrictions imposed on women’s sports in Afghanistan.
In light of these issues, the ICC has committed to a strong high-performance program focused fully to building Afghanistan’s female cricketers. This program will give these players elite coaching, world-class facilities, and specialized mentorship to ensure they create the next generation of superstars. The ICC hopes that this initiative will empower women in cricket, despite the current political climate that hampers their opportunities.
No money at all that is currently earmarked for any of the ACB’s activities should be redirected to fund its exiled women’s cricketers. The ICC has been unequivocal about how it contributes to men’s cricket in Afghanistan. They will stop at nothing and spare no expense to achieve this. This ruling shines a light on the issues of funding distribution in the greater backdrop of sport in Afghanistan.
The ICC’s recent board meeting in Zimbabwe concluded with a commitment to fostering an environment where Afghan women can aspire to participate in cricket at higher levels. The truth is that systemic barriers still exist, making it harder for them to compete and achieve recognition on the world stage.
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