Afghan women’s team welcomes support from world governing body

Three years after fleeing their homes to escape threats to their safety and a Taliban regime, the ICC has finally recognised the plight of Afghan women’s players exiled in Australia. For the first time they feel “seen”.

The Afghanistan Women's XI players pose for a team photo. Picture: AFP

The Afghanistan women’s cricket team exiled in Australia has welcomed a funding commitment from the world governing body saying “it’s the first time we’ve felt seen” by the sport’s global bosses.

Three years after fleeing their homes to escape threats to their safety and a Taliban regime that bans females from sport, the International Cricket Council promised this week to deliver development programs to support the “displaced” players.

Nineteen of the 25 females contracted by the Afghanistan Cricket Board in 2021 are now resident in Australia, continuing to play at local club level in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne, and hoping to eventually be afforded international status.

Afghanistan cricketers Nahida Sapan, Nilab Stanikzai and Benafsha Hashimi. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“This decision gives us genuine hope,” said Nahida Sapan, one of the players whose incredible story was told in Sydney Weekend this month.

“Hearing the news, I felt emotional … it was a historic moment … felt like a recognition of our team.”

Benafsha Hashimi added: “It gives us stability, and the chance to keep our cricket careers alive … real hope that we could soon be playing as a recognised national team again, representing Afghanistan even if we’re not physically in the country.

“That would mean everything. It would send a powerful message that Afghan women still have a place in international cricket … some recognition of our struggle and passion for the game, even if we’re far from home.”

Afghanistan Women's XI players huddle before an exhibition match in Melbourne in January. Picture: AFP

Shabnam Ahsan, who was just 13 when signed by the ACB, said “it is the first time we’ve felt seen and supported by the ICC”.

“This gives us a chance to train properly and focus on cricket again,” she said. “It feels like a step closer to playing under the Afghanistan name again.”

According to some of the team’s Australian support network, the ICC has yet to outline to the players the funding distribution process or the specifics of the financial assistance, leaving an element of uncertainty until the detail is revealed.

“We have experienced disappointments in the past,” said Nahida.

“But we’re hopeful,” said Shabnam. “We’ve been doing everything on our own, so this support means a lot. It gives us real hope.”

Originally published as Afghan women’s team welcomes support from world governing body