A powerful recognition of courage, compassion, and cricket’s global responsibility
In a moment that transcended sport, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) honored former Australian cricketer Mel Jones, along with Dr. Catherine Ordway and Emma Staples, with the prestigious Spirit of Cricket Award for their extraordinary efforts in helping rescue members of the Afghanistan women’s cricket team.
The award was presented at the 2024 MCC Cowdrey Lecture at Lord’s, a setting deeply rooted in cricketing tradition — and one that served as the perfect platform to celebrate one of the game’s most powerful stories of solidarity and humanitarianism.
A humanitarian mission beyond the boundary
“This is beyond special,” said Jones after accepting the award. “Receiving the Spirit of Cricket Award is humbling, and it is reflective of a large body of tireless work for a situation that is more than just cricket.”
Following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, Afghanistan’s women cricketers faced the loss of their sport, safety, and identity. In response, a coordinated rescue mission was launched — involving cricket administrators, human rights advocates, and international supporters — to bring several players to safety in Australia.
Jones, alongside Ordway and Staples, played a pivotal role in mobilizing resources and coordinating the evacuation with Australian cricket bodies and international networks.
“In amongst feelings of sadness, frustration, and anger around the Afghanistan women’s team’s plight, there was also so much hope, inspiration, pride and celebration,” Jones reflected.
“To the countless people within cricket who helped, both in Australia and across the world, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” she said. “To the players themselves, your spirit is an inspiration and although nothing can replace what you have lost, hopefully your story will serve as an example to cricket to never leave behind the people who play and love this wonderful game.”
Honoring true spirit at Lord’s
Rob Lynch, MCC Director of Cricket and Operations, emphasized the meaning behind the honor: “We are thrilled to be able to make this presentation to this group of women who completed an incredible feat in getting these players to safety.”
He added, “With the Afghanistan Women’s XI playing their first match earlier this year, it was clear that this was the moment we should recognise them with the MCC Spirit of Cricket Award.”
“The presentation at the Cowdrey Lecture was a very special moment and I hope everyone agrees that their outstanding work represents the true spirit of the game.”
A defining example of cricket’s values
The MCC Spirit of Cricket Award recognizes individuals who embody the core values of the game — respect, integrity, fairness, and courage. The acknowledgment of Jones, Ordway, and Staples underscores cricket’s broader moral obligations, especially in times of global crisis.
While rooted in sport, their actions rose far above it. Their mission to rescue and support the Afghanistan women’s team redefined what it means to protect and preserve the spirit of cricket.
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
