Women’s cricketers from Afghanistan, currently in exile, will be the first beneficiaries of a new refugee fund created by the MCC, one of the oldest cricket institutions in the world, on Friday.
After the Taliban retook power in Afghanistan in 2021 and instituted harsh limitations on women’s rights in the country, hundreds of athletes fled the country.
The 25 Afghan women contracted by the country’s cricket board in 2020 mostly remain in Australia, where they competed in their first match on Thursday.
The global refugee cricket fund created by the MCC will initially aim to raise £1m for displaced communities such as the Afghan players.
“This initiative is hoping and looking to bring hope and opportunity to those who need it most; cricket can inspire, unite and empower,” said Rob Lynch, the MCC secretary, in the statement.
Using Islamic law, with their interpretation and affiliation to local customs, the Taliban claim to respect women’s rights, referring to the issue as internal matters to be addressed within the country.
An early focus of the refugee fund will be on raising awareness and raising funds for safe training venues and educational opportunities for growth, according to MCC, the institution responsible for the laws of cricket.
The commission has also partnered with the ECB in supporting these women.
“The cricket community must be acted upon, to speak out for the brave Afghan women, to restore hope that women and girls can play cricket,” said Clare Connor, ECB deputy chief executive.
“We hope launching the fund will inspire other cricketing organizations to support this cause and unleash the power of cricket to unite communities worldwide.”
