Defying the Odds: The Courageous Journey of the Afghan Women's Cricket Team

Amidst political turmoil, the Afghan women's cricket team finds hope and resilience, fighting for their right to play on the international stage.

The Struggle for Freedom and Recognition

In August 2021, the lives of the Afghan women's cricket team were upended as the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan. Firooza Amiri, one of the team members, recalls the moment she heard the news: "I felt like I would lose everything," she said, with tears in her eyes. The team, knowing the dangers they faced under Taliban rule, had to flee their homeland.

A Daring Escape

Former Australian cricketer Mel Jones, along with her colleagues Emma Staples and Dr. Catherine Ordway, orchestrated a daring rescue operation. The players, along with their families, were smuggled out of Afghanistan, navigating through multiple checkpoints and life-threatening situations. "It felt like a Jason Bourne movie," Jones remarked.

A New Beginning in Australia

After a perilous journey, the team found refuge in Australia. In February 2024, they played their first match as an Afghanistan Women's XI at the Junction Oval in Melbourne, marking a significant milestone in their journey. The players designed their own badge, symbolizing their new life in Australia and their enduring connection to Afghanistan.

Battling for Recognition

Despite their resilience, the team struggles to gain recognition from the International Cricket Council (ICC). They wrote to the ICC, asking for support and recognition as a national team, but received no response. "We deserve help just like every other team," said team member Shabnam Ahsan.

The Fight Continues

The team’s future remains uncertain, but their spirit is unyielding. They continue to advocate for their right to play, hoping to inspire millions of women in Afghanistan. "We don't want this to be our first and last game," said team captain Nahida Sapan. Their journey is a testament to their courage and determination in the face of overwhelming adversity.

What to Read Next

Thrilling T20 Clash: Lancashire Edges Out Essex in Nail-Biting Finish
Cricket

Thrilling T20 Clash: Lancashire Edges Out Essex in Nail-Biting Finish

In a dramatic T20 Blast match, Lancashire narrowly defeated Essex by four wickets, with a thrilling final over deciding the outcome.

England Penalized for Slow Over-Rate: Fines and Points Deduction in World Test Championship
Cricket

England Penalized for Slow Over-Rate: Fines and Points Deduction in World Test Championship

England faces fines and a points deduction in the World Test Championship due to a slow over-rate in their recent match against India.

Rishabh Pant Faces Disciplinary Action for Umpire Dissent in Test Match
Cricket

Rishabh Pant Faces Disciplinary Action for Umpire Dissent in Test Match

Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant receives a demerit point for showing dissent towards umpires during the first Test against England.

Nat Sciver-Brunt Leads England in Crucial ODI Series Against India Ahead of World Cup
Cricket

Nat Sciver-Brunt Leads England in Crucial ODI Series Against India Ahead of World Cup

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt returns to lead the team in the ODI series against India, a key preparation for the upcoming Women's World Cup.

Nepal's Ascent to Test Cricket: A Dream to Conquer the Everest
Cricket

Nepal's Ascent to Test Cricket: A Dream to Conquer the Everest

Explore Nepal's ambitious journey towards achieving Test cricket status and their strategic efforts to climb the ranks in international cricket.

Nat Sciver-Brunt Steps Down as Trent Rockets Captain Ahead of The Hundred 2024
Cricket

Nat Sciver-Brunt Steps Down as Trent Rockets Captain Ahead of The Hundred 2024

England's Nat Sciver-Brunt steps down as Trent Rockets captain to focus on her workload ahead of the 2024 World Cup.

Innovative Injury Replacement Rules to Transform First-Class Cricket
Cricket

Innovative Injury Replacement Rules to Transform First-Class Cricket

The ICC introduces a six-month trial for injury replacements in first-class cricket, enhancing player safety and match continuity.

ICC Women's World Cup 2025: Full Schedule, Key Matches, and Host Cities Unveiled
Cricket

ICC Women's World Cup 2025: Full Schedule, Key Matches, and Host Cities Unveiled

The ICC Women's World Cup 2025 schedule is confirmed, featuring key matches in India and Sri Lanka. England, Australia, and India headline the tournament.

Guernsey's Historic Journey to the T20 World Cup Qualifiers
Cricket

Guernsey's Historic Journey to the T20 World Cup Qualifiers

Guernsey Cricket team prepares for their first-ever final round in the T20 World Cup qualifiers, facing top European teams in a historic journey.

Suzie Bates Joins Durham: A Historic Signing for Women's Cricket
Cricket

Suzie Bates Joins Durham: A Historic Signing for Women's Cricket

New Zealand cricket star Suzie Bates signs with Durham as their first overseas women's player, bringing her extensive experience to the 2025 season.

Scotland Bolsters Squad with McCreath and McBride for Upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 Matches
Cricket

Scotland Bolsters Squad with McCreath and McBride for Upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 Matches

Scotland introduces new talent Finlay McCreath and recalls Chris McBride for the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2, aiming to strengthen their squad against the Netherlands and UAE.

Issy Wong's Stellar Performance Leads England A in Sydney Clash
Cricket

Issy Wong's Stellar Performance Leads England A in Sydney Clash

Issy Wong shines with a four-wicket haul for England A against Australia A in Sydney, marking a significant moment in her cricket career.

UAE's Strategic Mastery: Retiring 10 Batters to Secure T20 World Cup Qualifier Victory
Cricket

UAE's Strategic Mastery: Retiring 10 Batters to Secure T20 World Cup Qualifier Victory

Explore how UAE's innovative strategy of retiring 10 batters ensured their victory in the T20 World Cup qualifier against Qatar, despite looming rain threats.

The Future of T10 Cricket: ICC Urged to Recognize the Fast-Paced Format
Cricket

The Future of T10 Cricket: ICC Urged to Recognize the Fast-Paced Format

The ICC is being urged to officially recognize T10 cricket, a fast-paced format that could revolutionize the sport and attract new audiences.

Heather Knight's All-Round Brilliance Secures Somerset's Victory Over Essex in One-Day Cup
Cricket

Heather Knight's All-Round Brilliance Secures Somerset's Victory Over Essex in One-Day Cup

Heather Knight's stellar performance with both bat and ball led Somerset to a commanding win over Essex in the Women's One-Day Cup, showcasing her leadership and skill.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.