Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, the 25 women cricketers once contracted by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) have found themselves scattered in exile, their dreams interrupted but not extinguished. Most now live in Australia, rebuilding their lives and careers far from home—without any backing from their own board.
Speaking exclusively to Cricbuzz, Firooza Amiri — one of the most vocal and visible figures among the displaced Afghan women cricketers — said, “None of our players have been in contact with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), and since arriving in Australia, we haven’t received any support from them. At this stage, we’re unsure if they will support us in the future, especially given the current political situation in Afghanistan.”
Despite the abandonment by their national board, the Afghan women’s cricket team has found international recognition and a growing network of support. That support has now become more tangible through the ICC‘s newly formed task force dedicated to their cause.
ICC task force gives Afghan women cricketers a new lifeline
In a significant development, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a dedicated task force, supported by the BCCI, ECB, and Cricket Australia (CA), to aid displaced Afghan women cricketers. The task force will include funding and direct involvement from the exiled players themselves.
“We are very happy that the ICC has formed a dedicated task force to support Afghan women cricketers. It is an important step forward. While we’ve only recently heard about the funding and are still waiting for details, we can’t comment too much on the specifics. But we’re hopeful,” said Amiri.
“What matters most to us is that the task force includes representatives from our group and from Pitch Our Future, so that the voices of the players are at the center of all decisions. We’re incredibly grateful that the ICC has acknowledged our situation and we look forward to learning more about the assistance they plan to provide.”
“We are also thankful to everyone who has supported us over the past few years—especially the Australian cricket community, who helped us resettle and gave us opportunities to keep playing the game we love.”
Pitch Our Future: a platform for survival and identity
Launched as a response to the women’s displacement, Pitch Our Future has emerged as the official platform of the Afghan Women’s National Cricket Team in exile. It has become both a fundraising engine and a symbol of their ongoing resistance and ambition.
“Pitch Our Future is the official platform of the Afghanistan Women’s National Cricket Team in exile. It was launched to raise global awareness and support for us—both as athletes and as individuals rebuilding our lives through cricket and education,” Amiri explained.
“The website provides detailed information about each of the players, including our backgrounds, cricket journeys, and personal aspirations. It serves not only as a central hub for updates on the team, but also as a way for people around the world to connect with our story and contribute directly to our growth and development.”
“Through Pitch Our Future, we’ve been able to raise funds for essential needs such as training, coaching, and access to facilities, equipment, and educational opportunities.”
“Pitch Our Future has been with us from the beginning, and we truly hope the ICC will work closely with them going forward. We also thank all those who have already contributed to the funding.”
“The platform also plays a huge role in advocating for our recognition on the international stage, giving us a space to be seen, heard, and supported as professional athletes. We’re truly grateful to the team behind Pitch Our Future and to everyone who has supported the initiative so far. Their belief in us keeps us going.”
A game that meant more than sport
On January 30, 2025, the Afghan women’s team took the field in Melbourne against Cricket Without Borders XI—a symbolic return after three years of silence and separation.
“The match on January 30 was more than just a game, it was the beginning of a new chapter for us here in Australia. After three long years of uncertainty, pain, and silence, stepping back onto the field with my teammates, wearing the Afghan colours was incredibly emotional.”
“It was a moment filled with pride, relief, and deep gratitude. That game was a powerful sign of resilience and hope, not just for us, but for every Afghan girl who continues to fight for her right to play, to learn and to be free back home.”
“It reminded us all that our identity as Afghan cricketers is still alive, and that no matter where we are, we carry our country in our hearts.”
“To be able to reunite with my teammates on the field was something we had dreamed about since we were forced to leave. That match symbolised that our journey isn’t over and that together, we will keep pushing forward, not just for ourselves, but for every girl who has been silenced.”
“We never wanted to leave”—the pain of exile
Living in exile has been emotionally and culturally wrenching for the players, who were among the first Afghan women ever contracted professionally to play the game.
“Yes, it is deeply disappointing. We never wanted to leave our country, we were forced to. Being in exile means being away from our home, our families, and the place where our dreams began. But despite the pain, we continue to represent Afghanistan through our cricket and our courage. We’ve turned that disappointment into determination.”
Amiri recalled the dangers and taboos they faced just to play the sport they loved.
“My journey hasn’t been easy. In Afghanistan, choosing cricket as a profession being a woman came with immense challenges, cultural restrictions, lack of support, and constant fear. We had to train in secret, often facing criticism and threats. But our love for the game kept us going.”
“Cricket gave us purpose, identity, and strength. Even though the path was filled with obstacles, we believed in ourselves and in each other. That belief is what brought us here today and it’s what still drives us forward, despite everything we’ve lost.”
A team still playing, still united
The Afghan cricketers remain active in Australia’s domestic leagues. Many are playing in the Victorian Premier Cricket League or in local Canberra competitions.
“Yes, most of our players who are based in Melbourne play in the Victorian Premier Cricket League, and those in Canberra also compete in local premier leagues.”
And they remain in close contact, both as teammates and as a support system.
“Yes, I’m in regular contact with all of my teammates who are in Australia. We support each other both on and off the field, and we’re working together to rebuild our team and keep our cricket journey alive.”
Cricket Australia has emerged as a key supporter.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve already received. Cricket Australia (CA) has taken a real leadership role. Since we arrived, they’ve provided us with the support we needed both for our cricket and for building our lives here in Australia.”
Looking ahead—with cautious optimism
Despite their displacement and the political uncertainty in Afghanistan, the team is looking forward—with a deep commitment to the game and to the possibility of international recognition.
“Our goal is simple: we want to improve as cricketers and play at the highest level. With the combined support of the ICC and Pitch Our Future, we are hopeful that we’ll now receive the financial resources and coaching that we need to continue that journey.”
“At this stage, we haven’t received any updates about participating in the LA Olympics, but if the opportunity comes, we’re absolutely ready as a team to join and compete.”
“Having international recognition and support means everything. It gives us the strength to keep going and to keep representing Afghan women everywhere. We hold that very close to our hearts.”
