Afghanistan’s displaced women cricketers will be in England next month, squeezing in a short tour before taking their seats at the Women’s T20 World Cup final at Lord’s.
Starting 22 June, the Afghan Refugee Women’s Team are due to train and play a handful of T20s. The schedule is being pieced together by the ECB, with help from MCC, the MCC Foundation and the Australian-based consultancy It’s Game On. Nothing especially grand, just cricket, nets and a chance to feel part of the wider game again.
A quick rewind. Back in November 2020 the Afghanistan Cricket Board held trials in Kabul and even offered 25 central contracts. Nine months later, the Taliban returned and women’s sport was frozen almost overnight. Since then most of those players have ended up in Australia, studying or working, yet still trying to keep the bat swing ticking over.
An attempt to gain ICC recognition as a national side in exile went nowhere. Even so, in early 2025 they managed a friendly in Melbourne, turning out as an Afghanistan Refugee XI against a Cricket Without Borders team during the Women’s Ashes. They also travelled as fans to last year’s 50-over World Cup in India. Small steps, but steps all the same.
This English visit is another one. Mel Jones – former Australia batter, now commentator – co-founded It’s Game On with Emma Staples from Cricket Victoria and sports lawyer Dr Catherine Ordway. She sees progress, yet keeps expectations realistic.
“These players have shown extraordinary courage and commitment to the game, despite everything that has been taken from them,” Jones said. “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.”
Clare Connor, ECB deputy chief executive and managing director of England Women, struck a similar note. “Since being displaced from Afghanistan in 2021, these players have shown extraordinary resilience in continuing their cricket journeys, in incredibly challenging circumstances.
“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.”
For the squad, a fortnight in English conditions offers simple rewards: a proper net session, a game that counts, and a reminder that their cricket lives are on pause, not over.
