Afghanistan’s women’s cricket team played its first match in exile on Thursday in Melbourne, Australia, as part of a symbolic event. Their captain described the reunion as a movement for change and hope, inspiring Afghan girls and women to pursue education and sports despite Taliban restrictions.
Reports indicate that 22 of the 25 players previously contracted by the Afghanistan Cricket Board have sought asylum in Australia in recent years. During the match, the team wore uniforms provided by Cricket Without Borders, a charitable organization supporting women’s cricket.
Former President Hamid Karzai praised the team, calling it a source of pride and inspiration. In a statement on X on Saturday, he expressed his support, stating, “The women’s cricket team will shine in international competitions just like their brothers and bring honor to Afghanistan.”
حامد کرزی رئیس جمهور پیشین #افغانستان از حضور دوبارهٔ دختران #افغان در میدان بازی کرکت ابراز خرسندی میکند و آرزومند است که تیم کرکت دختران، مانند برادران خود در مسابقات بین المللی درخشیده برای کشور شان افتخار کسب نمایند. pic.twitter.com/pdgPeBp81j
— Hamid Karzai (@KarzaiH) February 1, 2025
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Photo Credit: Wikipedia
