Women’s Cricket: Afghanistan Women Set to Face Cricket Without Borders XI in January T20 Clash

In an effort to support women’s cricket, Cricket Australia has organized a special T20 match between the Afghanistan Women’s team and Cricket Without Borders XI, set to take place on January 30 in Melbourne. This will be a momentous occasion for the Afghan women, who have been living as refugees in Australia since fleeing their home country after the Taliban’s takeover.

The match will also serve as a celebration of the cricket community’s efforts to provide support and opportunities for these athletes, who have faced immense challenges. In a statement given by the Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley, he said:

Many people across cricket and the community have come together to provide support for members of the Afghanistan women’s team since their relocation to Australia and this match will be a celebration of that work.

In 2021, following the Taliban’s restrictions on women’s sports in Afghanistan, the Afghan women’s cricket team relocated to Australia, where they currently reside in Canberra and Melbourne. The Australian government has helped create opportunities for the team, with the ICC being approached by 17 contracted players earlier this year for support in forming a refugee team. Their aim is to showcase their talents and inspire women in Afghanistan despite the challenges they face.