The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to consider extending its support programme for Afghanistan’s women’s refugee cricket team, with the proposal expected to receive formal approval after securing the backing of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Cricket Australia and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), according to a report by BBC Sport‘s Timothy Abraham.
The decision would continue a programme established for the players who were forced to leave Afghanistan following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021 and are now based in Australia. While the length of the renewed commitment has yet to be finalised, discussions are expected to include funding through to 2032.
ICC support programme continues to evolve
Beyond extending financial backing, the governing body has continued to strengthen the framework overseeing the initiative.
A dedicated female representative has been added to the task force responsible for the programme, while Australian advocacy group Pitch Our Future will participate in future consultations to help ensure the players’ perspectives are reflected in key discussions.
The ECB, Cricket Australia and the BCCI are also understood to support a greater operational role for the ICC, with the governing body expected to assume a larger share of the programme’s funding and resources as it develops.
Recognition remains under consideration
Although the funding programme appears set to continue, the players’ pathway back to official international cricket remains unresolved.
As previously reported by cricexec, the Afghanistan women’s team recently renewed its call for greater clarity over its long-term future during its tour of England, seeking certainty over continued support and international recognition.
The issue is now expected to be discussed at Board level through a proposal prepared by Chair of the ICC Women’s Cricket Committee Clare Connor. The paper includes a recommendation that the team be permitted to play official international cricket, bringing the matter before the ICC Board for formal consideration.
Any decision remains sensitive because of the ICC’s relationship with the Afghanistan Cricket Board and the broader implications for cricket in Afghanistan, meaning discussions over official status are likely to continue beyond this week’s meeting.
Engagement with ICC leadership
The players’ campaign has also included direct engagement with senior figures within the global governing body.
The squad met ICC Chair Jay Shah and other ICC officials at Lord’s ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup final earlier this month, with the meeting representing another opportunity to discuss the team’s future as efforts continue to secure long-term backing and recognition.
Board decision expected in Edinburgh
The recommendation to continue funding is expected to be presented to the ICC Board by outgoing ICC Deputy Chair Imran Khwaja following discussions during the governing body’s annual conference in Edinburgh.
If approved, the decision would provide continued support for the Afghanistan women’s refugee team while allowing the ICC and its Members to continue addressing the separate and more complex question of the team’s future participation in official international cricket.
