MELBOURNE, Australia – For the first time since the Taliban banned women’s sports in Afghanistan, a team of Afghan female cricketers took to the field in Melbourne, Australia, marking a significant moment in their struggle for recognition and participation in international sports.
The team, comprised of Afghan refugees, played a T20 match against the Borderless Cricket Team at Junction Oval. While they lost by seven wickets, the game was a victory for the players and supporters.
A Symbolic Victory Despite the Loss
“This was more than just a match. Our goal was to be the voice of millions of Afghan women,” said Firooza Amiri, a member of the Afghan refugee team.
Spectators, including Afghan migrants and Australian cricket enthusiasts, celebrated the event. Afghan spectator Kifayatullah Sapan expressed his pride: “We are proud because our girls are competing for the first time. This is a moment of honor for Afghanistan and all Afghan women.”
Cricket Amidst Restrictions
Afghanistan’s men’s cricket team has gained international recognition, but women’s cricket has never been formally established. In 2020, the Afghanistan Cricket Board signed contracts with 25 female players. Still, following the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, women were barred from participating in sports, among other restrictions imposed on their rights.
Most of these players fled Afghanistan and resettled in countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. With this match, they rekindled their cricketing aspirations in exile.
Former Afghan women’s cricket coach Diana Barakzai described the event as historic. “This is a dream come true for these girls and for all Afghan women. It is a clear message to the world to take action for Afghan women, especially regarding education and employment opportunities.”
International Support and Future Prospects
The match also drew attention from cricket governing bodies and international stakeholders. Ritta Anwari, an Afghan-Australian and cultural ambassador for Cricket Australia, emphasized the importance of such opportunities: “These players arrived in Australia on visas issued under the Afghan Women’s Cricket category. It was Cricket Australia’s responsibility to support them, and they have created the necessary conditions for these girls to return to the field.”
Experts believe this initiative could influence the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) stance on Afghan women’s cricket. Cricket analyst Samiullah Hilal pointed out that Afghanistan has faced criticism for not having a women’s national team. “Bringing Afghan women’s cricket to the international stage is a positive step. Who knows? This team might someday represent Afghanistan in the Women’s Cricket World Cup.”
Calls for Recognition and Support
Naheed Sapan, captain of the Afghan refugee team, echoed these sentiments, calling on the ICC and other governing bodies to recognize and support their team. “This is just the beginning. We hope to raise the Afghan flag like the men’s national team one day. Afghan women should have the right to play in every field.”
She also urged the Taliban to lift restrictions on women’s education and sports. “I hope that by taking this step, Afghan women back home, who are deprived of their rights, will eventually regain them.”
Growing Pressure on Afghan Cricket Authorities
The event comes as pressure mounts on Afghanistan’s cricket authorities to support women’s participation. Three weeks ago, 160 British politicians and members of parliament urged the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to cancel Afghanistan’s participation in the upcoming Champions Trophy due to the Taliban’s restrictions on women’s sports. The request was denied, and the ICC reiterated its commitment to supporting cricket development in Afghanistan.
Shafiq Stanikzai, former CEO of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, suggested that forming an Afghan women’s team abroad could alleviate international scrutiny. “If a women’s cricket team is officially recognized in Australia, it might ease the pressure on Afghanistan’s cricket authorities.”
A New Chapter for Afghan Women’s Cricket?
The Afghan women’s team comprises 19 players based in Australia, with three others in Canada and the UK. Players such as Roya Samim, who now resides in Canada, expressed hope for further opportunities. “We want to play internationally under Afghanistan’s name. Many former teammates are in exile, but we can still unite under one team.”
While challenges remain, this match represents a crucial step toward ensuring Afghan women can continue to pursue their passion for cricket, regardless of political constraints.
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