Afghan Refugee Cricketers Make a Statement in Melbourne Exhibition Match

Just miles away from the historic Women’s Ashes Test at the MCG, another match carried deep significance. A team of Afghan refugee cricketers stepped onto the field at Junction Oval in Melbourne. This marked their first official game since fleeing their homeland.

The Afghanistan Women’s XI , made up of players who escaped Taliban rule in 2021, took on a side arranged by Cricket Without Borders, a non-profit supporting women’s cricket. The match had no official status, but for these women, it symbolized hope, resilience, and a fight for recognition.

A Journey of Struggle and Strength

In 2020, 25 Afghan women cricketers were given central contracts by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). A year later, their world changed. With the Taliban’s return, women’s sport was banned, and their dreams were put on hold.

Most of these players found refuge in Australia on humanitarian visas. They rebuild their lives in cities like Melbourne and Sydney. While Afghanistan’s men’s team flourished on the world stage, the women’s side remained in limbo. There has been no funding or recognition from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Despite repeated appeals, the ICC has yet to acknowledge the Afghanistan Women’s XI as a refugee team. Thursday’s match was their latest effort to prove that they still belong in the cricketing world.

A Match That Symbolized More Than Sport

The Afghan players took the field wearing blue shirts featuring a tulip—Afghanistan’s national flower. However, the Afghanistan flag and national colors were missing, highlighting their uncertain status.

Before the game, team captain Nahida Sapan spoke about what this match meant.

“It means a lot for Afghan women because with this, they can hope, we can hope,” she said.

She believes this game could open doors for Afghan women in education, sports, and beyond.

Calls for Recognition

The Afghan women have asked the ICC to recognize them as a refugee team. So far, they’ve received no formal response. The ICC stated it is “committed to leveraging influence constructively” to support women’s cricket in Afghanistan.

Cricket Australia hopes the exhibition match will pave the way for more opportunities. “We want these women to play internationally one day,” a spokesperson said.

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