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A Beacon of Hope: Afghan Refugee Women’s Team Heads to England
In a deeply moving and historic development for the global cricket community, Afghanistan’s exiled women’s cricketers are set to tour England next month. This tour represents far more than just a series of cricket matches; it is a profound symbol of resilience, survival, and the unyielding spirit of female athletes who refused to let their dreams be silenced by political turmoil.
Starting on June 22, the Afghan Refugee Women’s Team will participate in a highly anticipated tour that features intensive training opportunities and competitive T20 matches. The tour is hosted by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and has received crucial backing from the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the MCC Foundation, and the specialized sports consultancy It’s Game On. To cap off this momentous journey, the players will also join the crowd at Lord’s to witness the T20 Women’s World Cup final.
The Heartbreaking Road from Kabul to Exile
To fully grasp the significance of this upcoming tour, one must look back to the promising beginnings of the team in Kabul. In November 2020, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) took a monumental step forward by hosting official women’s cricket trials. Following these trials, the board agreed to contract 25 talented female players, marking what should have been the dawn of a new era for women’s sports in the country.
However, just nine months later, the political landscape in Afghanistan shifted dramatically. The Taliban’s takeover of the country resulted in immediate and severe restrictions on women and girls, effectively banning them from most areas of public life, including all forms of competitive sport. Overnight, these pioneering cricketers saw their careers, their security, and their homeland stripped away.
Keeping the Flame Alive in Australia
Fearing for their safety, the majority of these contracted cricketers eventually relocated to Australia to rebuild their lives. Despite their displacement, their passion for cricket remained entirely undiminished. While their persistent efforts to be formally recognized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) as an official team in exile have not yet succeeded, they have continually found creative ways to keep playing the sport they love.
Operating as the Afghanistan Refugee XI, the squad has continued to show their skills on the field. Notably, they recently competed against a Cricket Without Borders side during the 2025 Women’s Ashes in Australia. Last year, they also traveled to India to attend the 50-over Men’s World Cup as spectators, maintaining their visibility and keeping their plight in the international spotlight. This upcoming English tour represents the next major step in their journey, offering them a rare and precious opportunity to play together as a cohesive unit on a global stage.
Championing the Cause: Mel Jones and ‘It’s Game On’
The realization of this tour is largely due to the tireless advocacy of key figures in the sport. Former Australian international cricketer turned commentator, Mel Jones, has been a driving force behind the initiative. Alongside Emma Staples, Cricket Victoria’s Head of Diversity, and consultant Dr. Catherine Ordway, Jones established the sports consultancy It’s Game On to support marginalized athletes.
Reflecting on the tour’s significance, Jones emphasized both the bravery of the players and the immense work that remains to be done. “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.”
ECB Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusion
The England and Wales Cricket Board has expressed immense pride in hosting the exiled squad, viewing the tour as an extension of cricket’s core values of inclusivity and opportunity. Clare Connor, the ECB Deputy CEO and Managing Director of England Women, spoke warmly of the players’ journey.
“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.”
As the cricket world prepares to welcome these extraordinary women to the historic grounds of England this June, their story serves as a stark reminder of the power of sport to unite, heal, and inspire in the face of adversity.
