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India Today
3 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.
The Independent
15-04-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
ICC announces formal support of funding and elite coaching for Afghanistan women's team
Afghan women cricketers will finally get high-level support in a bid to rejoin international competition after the sport's world governing body created a taskforce to coordinate direct funding, elite coaching and facilities for displaced players. Dozens of players from Afghanistan 's national women's team relocated to Australia after the Taliban retook control of the country in 2021 and enforced bans on women's sports. The players have been seeking official support ever since. The International Cricket Council released a statement late on Sunday saying it reached an agreement with the sport's national associations in Australia, India and England to support the displaced Afghan women's players. ICC chairman Jay Shah said his organisation is 'deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and ensuring every cricketer has the opportunity to shine, regardless of their circumstances.' 'The ICC believes this (support fund) will not only help preserve the sporting careers of Afghan women cricketers but also reinforce the sport's role as a unifying force that transcends borders and adversity," he said. An Afghanistan Women's XI played a Cricket Without Borders XI at Melbourne's Junction Oval in an exhibition match supported by the Australian government in January, bringing together 21 female players who were formerly contracted to the Afghanistan Cricket Board. Since leaving Afghanistan many of the women cricketers have been based in the Australian capital and in Melbourne and playing for club teams in local competitions. Firooza Amiri said ahead of that exhibition match in January that her team 'represents millions of women in Afghanistan who are denied their rights.' Amiri fled her home country with her family and first traveled to Pakistan before being evacuated to Australia. Under Taliban rule, the Afghanistan Cricket Board cannot field a national women's team because the country's laws forbid women from playing sport, studying and medical education, moves that have been criticised by world groups including the International Criminal Court. Afghanistan is a full member of the International Cricket Council and a condition of that status should require it to have a women's national team. England and Australia have refused to participate in direct series against Afghanistan in protest, but continue to play against the Afghan men in ICC events. It was the Afghanistan men's historic run to the semifinals of the Twenty20 World Cup last year that sparked the women's team members to again approach the ICC about funding. The group first approached the ICC in 2023, asking for support for a refugee team based in Australia to rejoin international cricket.
Arab News
14-04-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Afghanistan women's team gets funding from the International Cricket Council
MELBOURNE: Afghan women cricketers will finally get high-level support in a bid to rejoin international competition after the sport's world governing body created a taskforce to coordinate direct funding, elite coaching and facilities for displaced players. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Dozens of players from Afghanistan's national women's team relocated to Australia after the Taliban retook control of the country in 2021 and enforced bans on women's sports. The players have been seeking official support ever since. The International Cricket Council released a statement late Sunday saying it reached an agreement with the sport's national associations in Australia, India and England to support the displaced Afghan women's players. ICC chairman Jay Shah said his organization is 'deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and ensuring every cricketer has the opportunity to shine, regardless of their circumstances.' 'The ICC believes this (support fund) will not only help preserve the sporting careers of Afghan women cricketers but also reinforce the sport's role as a unifying force that transcends borders and adversity,' he said. An Afghanistan Women's XI played a Cricket Without Borders XI at Melbourne's Junction Oval in an exhibition match supported by the Australian government in January, bringing together 21 female players who were formerly contracted to the Afghanistan Cricket Board. Since leaving Afghanistan many of the women cricketers have been based in the Australian capital and in Melbourne and playing for club teams in local competitions. Firooza Amiri said ahead of that exhibition match in January that her team 'represents millions of women in Afghanistan who are denied their rights.' Amiri fled her home country with her family and first traveled to Pakistan before being evacuated to Australia. Under Taliban rule, the Afghanistan Cricket Board cannot field a national women's team because the country's laws forbid women from playing sport, studying and medical education, moves that have been criticized by world groups including the International Criminal Court. Afghanistan is a full member of the International Cricket Council and a condition of that status should require it to have a women's national team. England and Australia have refused to participate in direct series against Afghanistan in protest, but continue to play against the Afghan men in ICC events. It was the Afghanistan men's historic run to the semifinals of the Twenty20 World Cup last year that sparked the women's team members to again approach the ICC about funding. The group first approached the ICC in 2023, asking for support for a refugee team based in Australia to rejoin international cricket.
The Independent
14-04-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Afghanistan women's team gets funding from the International Cricket Council
Afghan women cricketers will finally get high-level support in a bid to rejoin international competition after the sport's world governing body created a taskforce to coordinate direct funding, elite coaching and facilities for displaced players. Dozens of players from Afghanistan's national women's team relocated to Australia after the Taliban retook control of the country in 2021 and enforced bans on women's sports. The players have been seeking official support ever since. The International Cricket Council released a statement late Sunday saying it reached an agreement with the sport's national associations in Australia, India and England to support the displaced Afghan women's players. ICC chairman Jay Shah said his organization is 'deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and ensuring every cricketer has the opportunity to shine, regardless of their circumstances.' 'The ICC believes this (support fund) will not only help preserve the sporting careers of Afghan women cricketers but also reinforce the sport's role as a unifying force that transcends borders and adversity," he said. An Afghanistan Women's XI played a Cricket Without Borders XI at Melbourne's Junction Oval in an exhibition match supported by the Australian government in January, bringing together 21 female players who were formerly contracted to the Afghanistan Cricket Board. Since leaving Afghanistan many of the women cricketers have been based in the Australian capital and in Melbourne and playing for club teams in local competitions. Firooza Amiri said ahead of that exhibition match in January that her team 'represents millions of women in Afghanistan who are denied their rights.' Amiri fled her home country with her family and first traveled to Pakistan before being evacuated to Australia. Under Taliban rule, the Afghanistan Cricket Board cannot field a national women's team because the country's laws forbid women from playing sport, studying and medical education, moves that have been criticized by world groups including the International Criminal Court. Afghanistan is a full member of the International Cricket Council and a condition of that status should require it to have a women's national team. England and Australia have refused to participate in direct series against Afghanistan in protest, but continue to play against the Afghan men in ICC events. It was the Afghanistan men's historic run to the semifinals of the Twenty20 World Cup last year that sparked the women's team members to again approach the ICC about funding. The group first approached the ICC in 2023, asking for support for a refugee team based in Australia to rejoin international cricket. ___
Fox Sports
14-04-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Afghanistan women's team gets funding from the International Cricket Council
Associated Press MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Afghan women cricketers will finally get high-level support in a bid to rejoin international competition after the sport's world governing body created a taskforce to coordinate direct funding, elite coaching and facilities for displaced players. Dozens of players from Afghanistan's national women's team relocated to Australia after the Taliban retook control of the country in 2021 and enforced bans on women's sports. The players have been seeking official support ever since. The International Cricket Council released a statement late Sunday saying it reached an agreement with the sport's national associations in Australia, India and England to support the displaced Afghan women's players. ICC chairman Jay Shah said his organization is 'deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and ensuring every cricketer has the opportunity to shine, regardless of their circumstances.' 'The ICC believes this (support fund) will not only help preserve the sporting careers of Afghan women cricketers but also reinforce the sport's role as a unifying force that transcends borders and adversity," he said. An Afghanistan Women's XI played a Cricket Without Borders XI at Melbourne's Junction Oval in an exhibition match supported by the Australian government in January, bringing together 21 female players who were formerly contracted to the Afghanistan Cricket Board. Since leaving Afghanistan many of the women cricketers have been based in the Australian capital and in Melbourne and playing for club teams in local competitions. Firooza Amiri said ahead of that exhibition match in January that her team 'represents millions of women in Afghanistan who are denied their rights.' Amiri fled her home country with her family and first traveled to Pakistan before being evacuated to Australia. Under Taliban rule, the Afghanistan Cricket Board cannot field a national women's team because the country's laws forbid women from playing sport, studying and medical education, moves that have been criticized by world groups including the International Criminal Court. Afghanistan is a full member of the International Cricket Council and a condition of that status should require it to have a women's national team. England and Australia have refused to participate in direct series against Afghanistan in protest, but continue to play against the Afghan men in ICC events. It was the Afghanistan men's historic run to the semifinals of the Twenty20 World Cup last year that sparked the women's team members to again approach the ICC about funding. The group first approached the ICC in 2023, asking for support for a refugee team based in Australia to rejoin international cricket. ___ AP cricket: in this topic
