Displaced Afghanistan Women’s Cricket Team to Tour England in Historic Return to the Pitch
The displaced Afghanistan women’s cricket team, now operating as the Afghanistan Refugee Team, will tour England beginning June 22. This marks a major step in their effort to rebuild their sporting careers after the Taliban’s return to power forced them out of sports and public life in 2021.
Tour Details and Schedule
Organized with the support of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the tour provides competitive fixtures to a squad systematically excluded from their home country. The itinerary includes Twenty20 matches, training sessions, and a scheduled appearance at Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 5.
| Event | Date | Location / Details |
|---|---|---|
| Tour Commencement | June 22 | England (various venues) |
| Match Format | June – July | Twenty20 (T20) |
| Lord’s Appearance | July 5 | Lord’s Cricket Ground, London |
Fight for Official ICC Recognition
Following the 2021 government collapse, the majority of the formerly contracted Afghanistan Cricket Board female players resettled in Australia. While they actively play domestic club cricket, they remain entirely cut off from international fixtures. The International Cricket Council (ICC) requires all Full Members to maintain both men’s and women’s national teams. The players continue to petition the ICC to officially recognize them as a refugee squad, which would allow them to compete in international tournaments.
Industry Support and Future Action
The team’s return to competitive touring relies heavily on the consultancy firm It’s Game On, co-founded by former Australian international cricketer Mel Jones. The organization works to bridge the gap left by the absence of an officially recognized national board.
- Mel Jones: Emphasized the players’ extraordinary courage and called for sustained, meaningful action from the global cricket community beyond the current calendar year.
- Clare Connor (ECB Deputy Chief Executive): Stated that the governing body has a distinct responsibility to advocate for inclusion and opportunity, expressing pride in hosting the tour.
The ECB views the tour as an opportunity to protect women’s participation in sports and set a precedent for global inclusion. For further updates on women’s cricket and international fixtures, visit ESPNcricinfo.