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An Afghanistan women’s cricket team, composed of Afghan women currently residing in Australia as refugees, is set to play a landmark match at Melbourne’s Junction Oval on January 30, 2024. This initiative, organized by Cricket Australia (CA) and Cricket ACT in collaboration with the Cricket Without Borders Charity, highlights the ongoing support for Afghan women athletes displaced by the Taliban’s oppressive rule.
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A Milestone for Afghan Women’s Cricket
The exhibition match will see the Afghan women’s refugee team face off against a side formed by Cricket Without Borders Charity. This match is significant not only for its symbolic value but also for its timing, taking place hours before the Women’s Ashes Test between Australia and England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Nick Hockley, CEO of Cricket Australia, lauded the initiative, emphasizing the importance of supporting Afghan women cricketers during challenging times. “This match celebrates the courage of these women and the resilience they’ve shown in keeping their passion for cricket alive despite adversity,” Hockley told the Sydney Morning Herald.
CA’s Stance on Afghanistan’s Men’s Team
This initiative comes amidst Cricket Australia’s continued refusal to engage with Afghanistan’s men’s team due to the Taliban’s oppressive policies, particularly its ban on women’s sports. Since the Taliban’s resurgence in 2021, CA has canceled three scheduled bilateral series with Afghanistan’s men, citing concerns over the regime’s treatment of women.
Despite Afghanistan being slated to tour Australia for a men’s Test and three T20Is in mid-2026 as per the ICC’s Future Tours Program (FTP), the matches remain uncertain given CA’s principled stance.
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Afghan Women Cricketers: Fighting to Keep Their Dreams Alive
For many Afghan women players now living in Australia, the upcoming match is more than just a game—it represents hope and an opportunity to reignite their cricketing dreams. Firooza Amiri, a member of the refugee team, expressed the struggles Afghan women face in continuing their cricketing aspirations.
“Many of us have started losing hope,” Amiri shared in an earlier interview. “Some players are considering taking up other sports, as cricket opportunities have been scarce.”
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A Step Towards Inclusion and Empowerment
Cricket Australia’s decision to support Afghan women athletes is a bold and meaningful gesture of solidarity. By facilitating this exhibition match, CA reaffirms its commitment to inclusivity and highlights the stark contrast between their support for Afghan women and their boycott of the men’s team under the Taliban’s shadow.
The January 30 match at Junction Oval is expected to draw attention not only to the plight of Afghan women athletes but also to the broader issue of gender equality in sports globally.
