Exiled Afghanistan Women’s Cricket Team to Tour England

A Journey of Unyielding Hope: Afghan Women’s Cricket Team Heads to England

Sport has an unparalleled ability to unite, heal, and inspire. In June, the global cricket community will witness a powerful demonstration of this truth as Afghanistan’s exiled women’s cricket team embarks on a highly anticipated tour of England. This journey represents far more than just runs and wickets; it is a profound story of resilience, survival, and an unbreakable passion for the game.

Starting on June 22, the Afghan Refugee Women’s Team will begin a structured tour featuring training opportunities and competitive T20 matches. In addition to their on-field campaign, the players will have the historic opportunity to join the crowd at Lord’s for the T20 Women’s World Cup final, symbolizing their ongoing connection to the sport they love despite the immense hurdles they have faced.

From Kabul to Exile: The Heartbreaking Road

To understand the depth of this tour’s significance, one must look back to November 2020. At that time, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) held a landmark women’s cricket trial in Kabul, culminating in the historic decision to contract 25 female players. It was a moment of immense pride and progress, signaling a bright future for women’s sports in the country.

However, just nine months later, the trajectory of these young athletes’ lives was shattered. Following the Taliban takeover in August 2021, women and girls were systematically banned from almost all areas of public life, including participating in sports. Forced to flee their homeland to protect their lives and dreams, the majority of these cricketers eventually found refuge in Australia.

Though displaced and stripped of their national colors, their commitment to the game never wavered. Even without formal recognition from the International Cricket Council (ICC) as a team in exile, they have continuously sought ways to play. In Australia, they competed under the banner of the Afghanistan Refugee XI against a Cricket Without Borders side during the 2025 Women’s Ashes. They also traveled to India to attend the 50-over World Cup as spectators, keeping their visibility alive on the world stage.

A Collaborative Effort to Champion Change

The upcoming tour to England has been made possible through a collaborative network of support. Hosted by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the initiative has received crucial backing from the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the MCC Foundation, and the sports consultancy firm It’s Game On.

This tour serves as a vital platform, offering the players the elite facilities and competition they deserve while shining a global spotlight on their ongoing plight. Former Australian international cricketer turned commentator Mel Jones, who co-founded It’s Game On alongside Emma Staples (Cricket Victoria’s Head of Diversity) and sports consultant Dr. Catherine Ordway, emphasized the profound weight of this milestone.

“These players have shown extraordinary courage and commitment to the game, despite everything that has been taken from them,” Jones stated. “They deserve more opportunities like this; they deserve to be recognised as part of the global cricket community. Moments like this matter, but we need to see plans for sustained and meaningful action beyond this year.”

Standing for Inclusion and Opportunity

The sentiments of solidarity are shared deeply by English cricket’s leadership. Clare Connor, the ECB Deputy CEO and Managing Director of England Women, expressed immense pride in hosting the squad and facilitating their return to competitive cricket.

“Since being displaced from Afghanistan in 2021, these players have shown extraordinary resilience in continuing their cricket journeys, in incredibly challenging circumstances,” Connor remarked. “Cricket has a responsibility to stand for inclusion and opportunity, and we are proud to be hosting this tour and supporting the players in deepening their connection to the game.”

The Road Ahead: A Call to the Global Community

As the Afghan Refugee Women’s Team prepares to step onto the historic grounds of England, their presence sends a clear message to the world: the spirit of Afghan women’s cricket cannot be extinguished. While their journey is filled with emotional weight, their determination on the pitch remains absolute. This tour is not just a temporary sanctuary, but a call to action for cricket governing bodies worldwide to establish permanent, meaningful pathways for displaced athletes who refuse to let their dreams be silenced.