The International Cricket Council (ICC) has today announced the formation of a dedicated task force to support displaced Afghan women cricketers. In a landmark initiative, the ICC has joined hands with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and Cricket Australia (CA) to assist these talented athletes in both their cricketing and personal development journeys.
As part of the initiative, the ICC will establish a dedicated financial fund to provide direct monetary assistance, ensuring these cricketers have the resources they need to continue pursuing the game they love. This will be complemented by a robust high-performance programme offering advanced coaching, world-class facilities, and tailored mentorship to help them reach their full potential.
Commenting on the initiative, ICC Chairman Mr. Jay Shah said: “At the International Cricket Council, we are deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and ensuring every cricketer has the opportunity to shine, regardless of their circumstances. In collaboration with our valued partners, we are proud to launch this task force and support fund, complemented by a comprehensive high-performance programme, to ensure displaced Afghan women cricketers can continue their journey in the sport. This initiative reflects our steadfast dedication to cricket’s global growth and its power to inspire unity, resilience, and hope.”
The ICC believes this initiative will not only help preserve the sporting careers of Afghan women cricketers but also reinforce the sport’s role as a unifying force that transcends borders and adversity.
Richard Gould, Chief Executive Officer at the ECB added: “We are proud to support this new initiative from the ICC. We have been vocal in recent times around the need for meaningful funding to support female players from Afghanistan so that they can thrive despite not being able to play at home.
“Having previously contributed a significant sum to the Global Refugee Cricket Fund, we are encouraged that this positive step from the ICC will go even further. We want the Afghanistan women’s team to continue being a beacon of hope for all women and girls.’’
Name of Author: ECB
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is the national governing body for cricket in England and Wales, formed on January 1, 1997. It combines roles from the Test and County Cricket Board, National Cricket Association, and Cricket Council, and integrated the Women’s Cricket Association in 1998. Based at Lord’s Cricket Ground, the ECB oversees all levels of cricket, including national teams for men, women, and various disability categories.
