The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has announced the launch of a new global refugee cricket fund, with Afghanistan’s exiled women cricketers set to be the first beneficiaries. The initiative aims to raise £1 million ($1.24 million) to provide support for displaced cricketing communities, particularly Afghan women players who fled after the Taliban’s takeover in 2021.
Of the 25 women who were contracted by Afghanistan’s cricket board in 2020, most have resettled in Australia, where they played their first match on Thursday. However, they remain unfunded and unrecognized by the International Cricket Council (ICC), despite calls for support.
“Cricket has the power to inspire, unite, and empower, and through this initiative, we aim to bring hope and opportunity to those who need it most,” MCC secretary Rob Lynch said.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has also pledged support, with deputy chief executive Clare Connor urging the global cricket community to take action.
“We hope the launch of the fund will inspire other cricketing organizations to support this cause and to unlock cricket’s power to unite communities around the globe,” Connor said.
The MCC fund will prioritize safe training facilities, educational opportunities, and development pathways for displaced players.
While Afghanistan’s men’s team continues to receive ICC funding, the country’s women cricketers remain sidelined. The Taliban maintains that women’s rights should align with their interpretation of Islamic law and local customs, leaving female athletes in limbo.
Despite these challenges, Afghan women cricketers remain determined to play the sport they love, with support from international organizations offering a lifeline to keep their dreams alive.
