In a major initiative by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will play host to the Afghanistan Refugee Women’s Team in for a tour of England, in which the visitors will play T20 matches alongside training.
Cricket in Afghanistan for women has been banned ever since the return of Tailban to the power. As a a result, most of the Afghan women’s cricketers moved to Australia in search of opportunities and in order to continue playing the game. The announcement of the first of its kind of initiative comes with the Women’s T20 World Cup on the horizon.
As per the details shared by the ECB, the tour will begin on June 22. High‑quality training facilities will be provided to the travelling team alongside T20 matches. Although the number of matches hasn’t been disclosed by the ECB in their media release. This programme will be delivered in partnership with MCC and MCC Foundation.
“Since being displaced from Afghanistan in 2021, these players have shown extraordinary resilience in continuing their cricket journeys, in incredibly challenging circumstances,” Clare Connor, ECB Deputy CEO and Managing Director of England Women, said.
“We have worked with It’s Game On to build an itinerary and a set of experiences that we hope will be enjoyable and memorable. We are also delighted that the squad will attend the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
“Cricket has a responsibility to stand for inclusion and opportunity, and we are proud to be hosting this tour and supporting the players in deepening their connection to the game.”
Mel Jones and Emma Staples, co-founders of ‘It’s Game On’, a global sports consultancy, worked closely with Dr Catherine Orway to help ensure the safe relocation of players after the events that unfolded in Afghanistan in August 2021.
“This tour is a major step forward, but also highlights how much work remains,” Jones said. “These players have shown extraordinary courage and commitment to the game, despite everything that has been taken from them. They deserve more opportunities like this; they deserve to be recognised as part of the global cricket community. Moments like this matter, but we need to see plans for sustained and meaningful action beyond this year.”
The Afghanistan players will also attend the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Lord’s, which will be played on July 5.
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