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| Afghanistan Women Request ICC to Help Set Up Refugee Cricket Team in Australia |
Seventeen female players, initially contracted by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) in 2020 before the Taliban takeover, have reached out to the ICC, seeking assistance in establishing a refugee cricket team based in Australia. This plea comes amid the absence of an official national women’s side due to the Taliban's reluctance to recognize women’s cricket.
In a letter sent to ICC Chair Greg Barclay, the players requested "support and guidance" from the governing body to formalize their team. They acknowledged that "due to the government policies of Afghanistan, the Afghanistan Cricket Board and thus the ICC cannot recognize them as a national team of Afghanistan." Instead, they have proposed being administered by the East Asian Cricket office at Cricket Australia as a refugee team, aiming to "represent all Afghan women who dream of playing cricket but are unable to in Afghanistan."
Background and Current Scenario
This request comes against the backdrop of the Afghanistan men's team reaching the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup, capturing global attention with their performances. The women’s players expressed joy for the men's achievements while highlighting their own plight.
In November 2020, the ACB had conducted a women's cricket trial in Kabul and contracted 25 players, planning to develop a fixture schedule with an initial tour to Oman. However, this did not materialize due to the Taliban's takeover, which saw women and girls banned from most public life areas, including sports.
Many female athletes sought exile abroad, with a significant number now residing in Australia, the UK, and Canada. Despite continuing to play at local clubs and receiving assistance from various organizations, these women have not been able to form a representative team. Their letter to the ICC serves as a reminder of their existence and proposes a solution to their exclusion.
Goals and Vision
The exiled players aim to recruit and train Afghan refugee girls and women passionate about cricket, showcasing their talent on a global stage. They hope to give hope to women remaining in Afghanistan and draw attention to the challenges Afghan women face. The letter emphasized their desire to compete at the highest levels, mirroring the aspirations of the Afghan men's team.
"We want to recruit and train girls and women who love cricket to show the world the talent of Afghan women, and to demonstrate the great victories they can achieve if given a chance through the leadership and financial support of the ICC," the letter stated.
Challenges and Sensitivities
The ICC is currently unable to offer the women’s team official status as it relies on individual boards to compile and recognize teams. The ACB, constrained by the Taliban's position, cannot recognize a women’s team. There are concerns that pushing for a women’s team in Afghanistan could endanger lives. The exiled players, understanding these sensitivities, have asked for recognition as a refugee team, focusing on Afghan refugee cricketers.
Conclusion
The ICC has been contacted for comment on this matter. The Afghan women’s team’s plea highlights the need for creative solutions to support and empower female athletes in restrictive environments. By recognizing and supporting a refugee team, the ICC can provide these players with the platform they deserve and inspire countless others facing similar challenges.
