A historic return on global cricket’s biggest stage
Afghanistan’s exiled women cricketers are set to make a symbolic and impactful return to the international stage with a tour of India in October — coinciding with the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.
The players, who fled their homeland after the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, have remained displaced since the regime banned women from participating in sports, education, and employment. Despite once committing to develop a national women’s team, Afghanistan’s cricket board has been inactive on that front for over three years.
Exiled Afghan cricketers to face Indian domestic teams
According to Sky Sports News, the team will be made up of Afghan women now living as refugees in Australia, many of whom were once part of Afghanistan’s now-defunct women’s cricket program. These players have remained active, campaigning for women’s rights and the revival of their team under new banners abroad.
The squad is expected to arrive in India later this month and will compete in a series of friendly matches against various Indian domestic sides. They will also be guests at selected World Cup matches during their stay, marking their presence at one of the most prestigious events in the women’s cricket calendar.
Symbolic kit, powerful message
Earlier this year, the exiled Afghan players made their unofficial return to the field in an exhibition match in Melbourne against a Cricket Without Borders XI — their first on-field appearance since the Taliban’s takeover.
They wore specially designed blue shirts featuring a tulip and a cricket ball — a nod to Afghanistan’s national flower — but not the country’s flag or national colours. This design choice was a powerful statement of both their disconnection from the current regime and continued pride in their identity.
ICC support and expected announcement
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to formally confirm details of the India tour this week. The organization previously acknowledged its support for displaced Afghan women cricketers during a board meeting held in Singapore this July, reflecting growing pressure on the global cricket community to provide safe and competitive opportunities for these players.
World Cup 2025 underway across India and Sri Lanka
The 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup runs from September 30 to November 2, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The tournament begins with the hosts clashing in Guwahati, and the final is slated for either Navi Mumbai or Colombo.
Every match will be broadcast live, including England’s opener against South Africa on Friday, October 3.
