The International Cricket Council (ICC) has strengthened its support for Afghanistan’s refugee women cricketers by extending its Development Pathway Programme and approving a long-term plan aimed at helping the team enter ICC qualification pathways by 2030.
The decision was taken during the ICC Annual Conference in Edinburgh, where the Board expanded its Special Task Force to oversee the programme.
The ICC has added Independent Director Dr Ros Rivaz and ICC Chief Executives’ Committee member Sarah Keane to the Task Force, alongside representatives from the BCCI, Cricket Australia and the ECB. The programme will continue to provide coaching, strength and conditioning support, physiotherapy, and more competitive matches to help the players progress.
Former Australia cricketer and Game On co-founder Mel Jones welcomed the decision. “The continued support for these remarkable women, alongside a clear roadmap towards ICC qualification pathways by 2030, represents an important commitment to their future,” she said in an official press release. “It sends a powerful message that talent and determination deserve opportunity.”
Nahida Sapan, an Afghan refugee woman cricketer, said: “This programme has already made a real difference to us… It’s very reassuring to hear that the ICC and the Task Force are making a long-term commitment to supporting our development.”
The refugee players are currently spread across Australia, England and Canada, and will continue training within their local cricket systems.
For latest sports updates: Follow RevSportz
The post ICC backs long-term pathway for Afghan refugee women cricketers appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.
