Afghanistan’s Women Cricketers Reunite for Historic Match After 3 Years in Exile

Afghanistan’s female cricketers have reunited for the first time in over three years, following their exile due to the Taliban’s ban on women in sports. On Thursday, the Afghanistan Women’s XI will face the Cricket Without Borders XI in an exhibition match at Melbourne’s Junction Oval, marking a momentous occasion for these athletes and for Afghan women seeking greater rights and freedoms.

The game will bring together 21 women who were previously contracted by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), but had to flee their country in August 2021 when the Taliban retook control. These women have since found refuge in Australia, playing for various local teams while living in cities like Canberra and Melbourne.

Firooza Amiri, one of the key players, expressed the significance of the match, stating that their performance would serve as a voice for the millions of Afghan women who continue to be denied basic rights. “We are representing all the women back home in Afghanistan who are not allowed to pursue their dreams,” Amiri shared, adding that the chance to reunite with her teammates after so long was a deeply emotional experience.

For Nahida Sapan, who will captain the Afghanistan Women’s XI, the event is both a personal and national triumph. “We are not just playing a game,” Sapan explained. “We are creating a movement for change. This is bigger than cricket – it’s about our future, our education, and our rights.”

The match is a rare beacon of hope for Afghan women who are denied access to education, sports, and many other opportunities under Taliban rule. Sapan, who previously received death threats from Taliban officials after they took power, expressed gratitude for the support received from Cricket Australia and the Australian government, who have worked to create this opportunity. “Your support gives us hope,” she added.

Cricket Australia’s Chief Executive, Nick Hockley, highlighted the profound impact the match has on these women, noting the powerful moment when the team received their playing shirts for the first time. “It was amazing to witness the emotion when they saw their names on the shirts,” Hockley said. “It’s inspiring to see their strength and determination.”

The Taliban’s policies have led to a broader international outcry, particularly in the sports world. Afghanistan, a full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC), faces criticism as it remains unable to field a women’s cricket team due to the Taliban’s restrictions. Several countries, including England and Australia, have chosen not to participate in bilateral series against Afghanistan in protest of the government’s stance on women’s rights.

Despite this, Afghanistan’s male cricket team, including high-profile players like Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan, has publicly supported the cause for women’s education and opportunities, aligning themselves with the global movement advocating for equality.

Hockley expressed his hope that this exhibition match would continue annually, with the goal of raising awareness about the struggles faced by Afghan women and inspiring global conversations about gender equality in sports. “This match is not just about cricket,” Hockley said. “It’s about shedding light on the challenges women around the world face when it comes to playing the sport they love.”