Following the promise of funding for the exiled Afghanistan women’s cricket team by the International Cricket Council (ICC), several players have welcomed this announcement, describing it as “a ray of hope” for recognition and an opportunity to participate on international stages.
Reuters reported, citing Nahida Sapan, a member of the exiled Afghanistan women’s cricket team, who stated, “We feel valued and inspired. This news has given us a lot of confidence about the future. Some of the girls in the team were crying because we had worked so hard.”
She expressed her appreciation for the support from the ICC.
She emphasized that none of the male players from the Afghanistan national cricket team have contacted them to congratulate them on this financial promise; however, she found this understandable given the political situation in the country.
This Afghanistan national team player added, “The situation is difficult. We are aware of the situation in Afghanistan and the conditions of cricket there. The interim government does not want male players to support the women’s cricket team. If such support occurs, it may lead to the suspension of the men’s team’s games as well.”
It is noteworthy that the ICC recently announced it would establish a special working group to support the Afghan women’s cricket team, which will include creating a fund and training programs.
In its statement, the ICC mentioned that with the establishment of this working group, the exiled Afghanistan women’s cricket team can continue on their sporting path.
Currently, 25 female players who were selected for training with the Afghanistan cricket team in 2020 are living in exile in Australia following the current government’s takeover of Afghanistan.
This comes as the current government has declared women’s sports null and void in its initial actions and has closed all sports facilities.
