Latest news with #Amiri
India Today
2 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
From hostility to hope: Afghanistan women's cricket sees a new dawn
In 2021, dread and despair returned for women in Ashraf Ghani-led government, backed by the United States, collapsed after the Taliban seized control of Kabul. With their return came rules and restrictions that became a nightmare for Afghan women: They were barred from studying, playing sports, or participating in activities that could offer them freedom or influence. Among the casualties under the Taliban regime was 2010, just a year after the Afghan men's team gained ODI status, the women's team was formed - defying long-standing beliefs that the world of sports was no place for women in the country. By 2020, 25 Afghan women cricketers had been awarded professional contracts, sparking hope that they too could rise to global acclaim - just like Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and other male stars. But those dreams were shattered in 2021 with the Taliban's return to power. 19 of those contracted players were forced to flee their homeland and seek refuge in Australia. Among them was Firooza Amiri, who has since found a new beginning - living safely in Australia and continuing to pursue her passion by playing club cricket.'Yes, it's been heartbreaking. Ever since the Taliban took over, I knew things were going to change - especially for women, and even more so for women athletes. I could sense that the situation would become much worse for us,' Amiri told India Today Digital in an exclusive away from everything I had worked so hard for over so many years was incredibly painful. But at the same time, I felt anger - and determination. I knew I couldn't give up, even in the face of that reality. So I made the decision to keep going, even if it meant starting over in a new country. And I did.'A BIGGER MISSION Firooza Amiri hails from Herat, a city in western Afghanistan. Courtesy: Getty Images Amiri hails from Herat, a city in western Afghanistan renowned for its rich literary heritage and historic landmarks, including the iconic Herat Citadel. Beyond its cultural significance, Herat also plays a key role in the country's football scene and even hosted the 2024-25 season of the Afghanistan Champions League at the Herat Football Federation for Amiri, it was cricket - not football - that captured her heart, thanks to the influence of her sister. Once she picked up a bat, her curiosity quickly turned into a burning passion. Driven by the dream of wearing the national jersey and representing Afghanistan, she never looked back. Today, that dream has evolved - Amiri is determined to be a trailblazer and help revolutionise women's cricket in her grew up in Herat, in the western part of Afghanistan. It's a city rich in culture, art, and architecture. Cricket isn't very popular there, especially for women, but my journey with the sport began thanks to my older sister, who's also a player. At first, I picked up the bat out of curiosity, but from the moment I held it, cricket became my passion,' Amiri said.'Even though Afghanistan doesn't currently have a women's national cricket team, playing was never just about the game for me. It became a deeper mission - I've always wanted to be one of the first girls to represent Afghanistan in cricket. I truly believe that I can be one of the girls who helps change the narrative for women in sports in our country.'advertisementMANIFESTING GREATNESS IN ADVERSARY Firooza Amiri and 19 other Afghanistan cricketers took exile in Australia. Courtesy: AFP 'The philosophy of the Taliban goes against everything I believe in. While the rest of the world is moving forward - empowering women to lead and succeed - they want to control and suppress women in Afghanistan. I strongly believe that every society needs women in leadership roles,' Amiri said.'Afghan women are incredibly strong, and I have no doubt they can lead - not just in sports, but in every field - if they're given the opportunity. And we've already seen that: when Afghan women are given a chance, they rise.'While many countries around the world are championing women's empowerment and fostering female leadership, Afghanistan has moved in the opposite direction - finding new ways to suppress and control its women. What began as acts of open defiance gradually faded, as many women were forced into silence, practicing in private and out of sight from the Taliban.'In the beginning, when the Taliban took over, there was some resistance. People tried to hold on to hope. I'm not in touch with many now, but I do know that some girls are still playing - still practicing quietly, in private. They're holding on to their passion in under the Taliban regime, doing that is incredibly risky. It's dangerous. And yet, despite that, some of them continue - because it means that much to them,' Amiri GUARDIAN ANGEL The Afghan women's cricketers fled their home country in 2021. Courtesy: AFP For Amiri and other Afghan women cricketers, former Australian cricketer Mel Jones was a guardian angel. She played a crucial role in helping 120 individuals - including Amiri, her teammates Nahida Sapan and Benafsha Hashimi, and their families - by arranging humanitarian visas that enabled their journey came at a heavy emotional cost. To avoid detection, the players had to burn their beloved cricket jerseys - symbols of their passion and pride. They travelled in small, discreet groups, as the journey from Afghanistan to Australia was fraught with danger at every step.'If I could describe Mel, I'd say she's an incredible person - truly an inspiring advocate for women's rights in sport. She was one of the few amazing women who stepped up and supported us when we needed it most. Mel used her platform, her voice, and her connections to bring attention to what was happening in Afghanistan,' Amiri dedicated so much of her time and effort to helping us - from assisting us in escaping Afghanistan to helping us settle in Australia. Our journey - mine and the other girls' - was filled with fear and uncertainty. But knowing that someone like Mel, along with other incredible women in Australia, was standing beside us gave us the strength and hope to begin again in a completely new country.'THE HOME AWAY FROM HOME The Afghan women returned to playing back in January. Courtesy: AFP The year 2025 has been a landmark one for Afghan women cricketers. In January, they played their first competitive match - a T20 game between the Afghanistan Women's XI and Cricket Without Borders XI - at the Junction Oval in Melbourne. The historic fixture took place just before the Day-Night Women's Ashes Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, adding to its and Melbourne have become home for Amiri and many of her teammates. Reflecting on the moment, Amiri described the experience as a feeling of home. She emphasised how important the match was - not just as a game, but as a statement. For these women, once silenced in a war-stricken nation, the match was proof that they were not merely refugees- they were athletes, determined to show the world who they truly are.'The match we played on the 30th of January was more than just a game - it was more than just cricket. It was our first official match in Australia, and for many of us, it was the first time in years that we could play freely. The crowd was incredibly supportive - it truly felt like home,' Amiri said.'Since arriving in Australia, I've felt that this country has given me everything to help make it my second home. But when we stepped onto the field that day, it wasn't just a feeling - it was home. For many of us, the cricket ground has always been a place where we feel we belong. We often say, the ground is home - and on that day, it truly was.''That match reminded us of who we are. After three years, we were cricketers again. We were not just refugees, not just victims - we were athletes, representing Afghanistan from afar. And that meant everything. It made us incredibly proud, knowing that we were also representing millions of Afghan women just by stepping onto that pitch,' Amiri MESSAGE TO THE WORLD Australia don't play bilateral cricket with Afghanistan. Courtesy: AFP Cricket Australia has been a vocal supporter of the growth of Afghan women's cricket. In protest against the Taliban's continued suppression of women in Afghanistan, Australia has refrained from engaging in any bilateral cricket series with the Afghan men's team. However, the two sides continue to face each other in ICC-sanctioned events.'Cricket Australia has played a huge leadership role in our lives - from the moment we left Afghanistan and began rebuilding in Australia, they've been there for us. They gave us every opportunity we needed to keep playing and to start a new life here,' Amiri said.'We will never forget that Cricket Australia was the first board to speak out for us. They were also the first to take a stand by cancelling a match against Afghanistan, sending a powerful message to the world about what it means to stand for equality and support women in sport,' Amiri said.'Their support has meant everything to us - not just as players, but as women whose voices needed to be heard.'NEED FOR MORE HELPING HANDS Women in Afghanistan are barred from playing cricket. Courtesy: AFP Amiri is not in contact with any current or former Afghan male cricketers, primarily due to safety concerns for both the players and their families.'No, unfortunately, I'm not in direct contact with any of the players. From what I've heard, many of them can't speak publicly - mostly for their own safety and the safety of their families.'But I believe that many of them are aware of what's happening to Afghan women, and I believe they understand how strong and determined we are in the face of everything,' Amiri she believes that the Afghan men's team - given their global recognition - has the power to make a meaningful statement in support of the growth of Afghan women's cricket.'Yes, absolutely. I believe they have the platform and the audience - even a single strong statement from them can make a global impact. I've come to realise the power of that influence, and I've decided to use it - not just for us, but for the future of Afghan sport, and for all those who still don't have a voice,' Amiri GIANT LEAP The ICC has come forward to help Afghanistan women's cricket. Courtesy: AFP After remaining in the shadows for quite some time, Afghan women cricketers have finally found a lifeline through the International Cricket Council (ICC), which has partnered with Cricket Australia (CA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to provide essential funding and support for their development. The initiative is only restricted to the bunch of cricketers who are in exile at the moment.'We have only just heard about the ICC funding and are waiting for more details, so we can't fully comment on it yet. However, we are very grateful that the ICC has acknowledged our journey and formed a task force. We hope that this task force includes voices from our community,' Amiri said.'Our goal remains to keep improving and to play for Afghanistan at the highest level possible. With continued support from the ICC, Pitch Our Future, and the Australian cricket community, we believe this is achievable,' Amiri PERRY FANDOM AND EMOTIONAL GOODBYE Firooza Amiri is a big fan of Virat Kohli and Ellyse Perry. Courtesy: Getty Images Amiri is a huge fan of Virat Kohli, the world record holder for the most centuries in ODIs. Today, ODI cricket is the only international format in which Kohli continues to play. He retired from T20 Internationals after last year's Men's T20 World Cup, and earlier in May, he brought an end to his Test career - finishing as India's fourth-highest run-scorer in the format.'It was very emotional to see him announce his retirement from this format. It truly feels like the end of an era. But above all, I'm so grateful to have been part of a generation that had the chance to watch him play and learn so much from him,' Amiri female cricketers, Amiri looks up to the legendary Ellyse Perry, who is not only known for her remarkable achievements in cricket but also for her rare feat of representing Australia in both cricket and football. Perry played for the Australian football team in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup and made her cricket debut at just 16. Since then, she hasn't looked back and continues to be a dominant force in women's sport.'There are many strong women who have changed the history of cricket in every country. Every cricketing nation has women who have made a lasting impact. But for me, Ellyse Perry has always been a huge inspiration.'I really admire her discipline and her calmness under pressure. She's not just an incredible player, but also a wonderful person - a great role model both on and off the field,' Amiri THE FIRE BURNING Afghanistan don't have a recognised women's team despite being ICC's full member. Courtesy: AFP Despite Afghanistan being a full member of the ICC, it remains a sobering reality that the country still lacks a recognised women's cricket team. However, with Cricket Australia stepping up and the ICC now extending its support, there is finally a glimmer of hope for the future of women's cricket in restrictions under the Taliban regime continue to stifle opportunities for female athletes, change is still possible. More voices like Firooza Amiri's are needed - people who are unafraid to speak out, challenge the status quo, and pave the way for a new will take brave individuals, determined to spark a revolution, to inspire young Afghan girls to pick up a bat - just like Amiri, Sapan, and so many others once did.
Emirates Woman
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Emirates Woman
3 beach club takeovers and luxe pop ups in UAE and Saudi Arabia
For the sun-soaked days ahead, Emirates Man rounds up the summer activations, including pop-ups and branded takeovers to check out right now–from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, to Jeddah. Ray-Ban Along with the recent launch of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses comes a cool collaboration with Gitano, a modern bohemian Mexican restaurant. Throughout the month of May until June 5, 2025, the J1 Beach hotspot has been transformed and designed to embody Ray-Ban's free-spirited summer style. Open from 11 am to 1 am on weekdays and 2 am on weekends, the takeover features signature pops of Ray-Ban red that lend a bold accent to the sun beds, pillows, floaties, and towels, plus a cool photo-op mirror experience at one of Dubai's most vibrant beachfronts. For reservations, visit Amiri In Jeddah, luxury streetwear brand Amiri brings its West Coast sensibilities to The Jeddah EDITION. With views overlooking the Jeddah Yacht Club and the Formula 1 circuit, the rooftop experience sits at the intersection of fashion, culture, and modern hospitality. This regional takeover debut captures the Californian laidback perspective of Amiri and The Jeddah EDITION's modern design perspective as seen through the branded touches across the space. Frescobol Carioca Located in one of the region's most loved beach clubs, Twiggy, the club is now home to Frescobol Carioca's first outpost. With a design concept inspired by Brazilian modernist design principles, the exterior space showcases an organic architecture with geometric wave silhouettes, making for a unique shopping experience while you enjoy the culinary savoir-faire and the acclaimed hospitality experience by Rikas Hospitality Group. Now that you've booked your agenda, scroll through the gallery below for 10 effortless essentials to wear on repeat for summer: – For more on how to look smart and live smarter, follow Emirates Man on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied
Arab Times
24-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Dear Minister of Information, we want to meet with HH Prime Minister ... We have much to say
THE situation necessitates openness and transparency, so the Amiri measures taken to end the long-standing chaos that has hindered development and impacted all aspects of life will bear fruit. This happened when parliamentary action devolved into chaos, such that the National Assembly became like a group of different peoples and tribes -- each seeking to monopolize government decisions through their own representatives. The successive cabinets then became an echo chamber for the MPs, rather than an effective and independent executive authority. This is the reason why the Amiri measures got overwhelming support from the people, as Kuwaitis considered the move of HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as their salvation. They hoped for a Kuwait worthy of its glorious history and a return to leadership in all fields, as it was before the spread of parliamentary chaos. Today, more than one year after the end of the chaos, several grievances remain, and others have begun to surface. Some are being discussed in the press, while others are being kept secret -- either for fear of being misunderstood or because no one is listening. Without a doubt, this has exacerbated the social crisis first, and then the economic crisis. Among these grievances is the Civil Service Commission's announcement of salary cuts for employees in some government agencies, and the suspension of their privileges and benefits. As a result, fear filled the hearts of all employees, afraid that this would become a general policy affecting all public sector employees. The fact that about 80 percent of Kuwaiti employees are in debt makes matters worse, because their salaries have not increased for around 16 years, while inflation soared to such high levels that salaries are insufficient. This has led to a decline in the purchasing power of citizens in a country based on consumption, due to the lack of an industrial and agricultural infrastructure that could help replace part of the imported commodities with cheaper locally produced ones. As a result of this situation, it is natural for low-income employees to fall into the borrowing trap. Nevertheless, the citizens are not asking the government to cancel their loans or pay them on their behalf. All they need is a balance between the salaries and living expenses. This means the government must ease the burdens of citizens by guaranteeing the debt, waiving loan interest, or stopping garnishing the salary to pay debts. The government must generate job opportunities to ease the pressure on the public treasury. There are other problems exacerbated by the revocation of citizenship. Here, I must emphasize that whoever obtained Kuwaiti citizenship fraudulently and is tampering with their national identity must be punished. All Kuwaitis agree on this view. A certain area needs to be highlighted concerning the revocation of the citizenship of the wives of Kuwaitis, and those who were born and lived in Kuwait as Kuwaiti citizens, unaware that their grandfather or ancestor obtained citizenship fraudulently. What sin did these people commit for their citizenship to be revoked? By the way, this group is a large and active force in the economy, society and administration. Consequently, such a move will deprive Kuwait of much-needed talent and aggravate the Bedoun crisis, which is already a snowball that grows daily. The Bedoun problem should have been resolved decades ago, but unfortunately, it was left to worsen, leading to negative repercussions on all aspects of society. A solution to the Bedoun issue should have been reached before the decision to revoke the citizenship of those who acquired it by proxy; to enhance job, economic, and social security. Today, the picture does not look rosy. The gross domestic product is declining, while social problems are increasing. Instead of clarifying the situation and presenting appropriate solutions, we hear nothing but the silence of officials; hence, increasing public anxiety. In several previous meetings with the Minister of Information, we suggested that the editors-in-chief of daily newspapers meet with His Highness the Crown Prince, His Highness the Prime Minister or First Deputy Prime Minister once a month or every two months. The goal of the proposal is to explain the government's viewpoints on one hand, and for the press to present public concerns to the leadership and participate in proposing solutions on the other hand. In short, these are the duties of the press -- to convey the voice of the people, shed light on shortcomings and propose solutions. It is worth noting that ministerial measures require clarification, not just the issuance of official statements and decisions without explanation or clarification. Regarding salary cuts, for example, there is a solution I have been advocating for some time. The solution is to schedule or suspend subsidies, instead of distributing them haphazardly. It is unreasonable for wealthy merchants and residential building owners to benefit from the KD7.5 billion subsidy, while the government rationalizes expenditure by cutting the salaries of low-income employees. Numerous public grievances must be heard and addressed to alleviate the social, financial, and economic pressures on citizens. This is the task of the Council of Ministers, which must enlist the help of experts to address existing problems, anticipate the negative impacts of certain decisions, and then address them. The country has a financial surplus and investments worldwide. The government has several plans, but they remain unimplemented. The government should focus on maximizing the gross domestic product, easing the burdens of citizens, and working in accordance with the lofty directives of His Highness the Amir who stressed the need to achieve social justice. This is not too much for a country with a small population, and has the potential to become a pioneering State in all fields.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
😳 What's going on here? Mainz lead by just one despite scoring four
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here. 1. FSV Mainz 05 is really going for it today. Although they have a tough opponent in runner-up Bayer Leverkusen, the 05ers have been stepping on the gas pedal with both feet since the first minute and have already managed to get the ball past Hradecky four times. Nevertheless, the score is only 1:0. What's going on?! The VAR is at it again. Both Amiri's goal in the 18th minute and Lee's goal in the 30th minute were (rightly) ruled out by the video referee. In the 33rd minute, when Hanche-Olsen pushed the ball over the line, Cologne's Keller had something to complain about. Leverkusen goalkeeper Hradecky had already touched the ball beforehand. A complete breakdown for Henriksen's team?Not at all! Just two minutes later, Paul Nebel put FSV in the lead after all, four goals later. This time also guaranteed without VAR. The Mainz team is really on a roll today 📈💪. 📸 Pau Barrena - 2025 Getty Images
Arab Times
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Gov't seeks more powers for governors in Kuwait reforms
KUWAIT CITY, April 29: The Amiri directives underscored the need to fully support the governors and grant them a bigger role in the development of the country, especially in expediting the implementation of strategic projects and mobilize government agencies to achieve the desired renaissance. This is part of the steps of the government toward the expansion of the governors' powers to oversee the implementation of the general policy of the State, monitor development plan projects, and contribute to improving services in all governorates to reflect the civilized image of the country. This is the main topic in the weekly discussions at Al-Dughaishim Diwan, with Capital Governor Sheikh Abdullah Salem Al-Ali Al- Sabah; Sheikh Abdullah Fahad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, Dean of Kuwaiti Journalism Ahmed Al-Jarallah and a number of prominent social and media figures in attendance. Sheikh Abdullah Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah pointed out that the situation in Kuwait has changed dramatically in light of the government's wise directives, stressing that 'we work as one team and live as one cohesive family. The governors' powers are exercised with complete transparency through continuous communication and coordination with ministers and officials in the interest of the public and to better serve our beloved country. Cooperation between State agencies is a fundamental pillar of the success of government work.' He affirmed that 'as governors, we work side by side with the ministers within a single, integrated system, united by national goals and motivated by a shared commitment to the advancement and prosperity of the country. The secret to our success lies in our belief in the importance of integration and cooperation, free from bureaucracy; and a commitment to being close to citizens and constantly striving to meet their needs and follow up their issues.' Al-Jarallah commended the relentless efforts of the government to maximize the impact of the governors' work on development and service delivery and to grant them a more effective role in forming the governorate council, which assists them in exercising their responsibilities. He called for launching an initiative to support beautification projects in the governorates. He pointed out this initiative relies on symbolic contributions to address the challenges hindering beautification work, such as water and equipment shortage and other issues. He stressed the importance of the governors' role in supporting and promoting this initiative, given their closeness to the people and their trust in him. Ahmed Saleh Al-Oqab agreed with Al-Jarallah on the importance of beautification in the governorates; suggesting the formation of a specialized beautification committee in the Capital Governorate, comprising a group of promising Kuwaiti youths. He said the governor personally oversees the work and ensures that obstacles to the efficient completion of the projects are removed. Abdulaziz Al-Dughaishem underscored the importance of such meetings for enriching dialogue, enhancing communication, and advancing development works. He affirmed the commitment of Al- Dughaishem Diwan to be updated on contemporary issues and to open its doors to everyone in order to enrich discussions, and raise cultural and societal awareness.
