Afghan Women’s Cricket
In 2010, Afghanistan’s national women’s cricket team was formed for the first time a bold step for young girls who dreamed of playing on the field. But from the very beginning, they faced fierce religious and societal opposition. Despite all obstacles, they managed to secure victories in international competitions. Yet, even those achievements couldn’t earn them a place in their own country.
2020 –
In November 2020, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) granted professional contracts to 25 female players. For the first time, it seemed that Afghan women could pursue their dreams on an international level.
2021 –
With the fall of Kabul and the return of the Taliban, all hope for women in sports was crushed. Afghanistan’s women’s cricket team ceased to exist. The Taliban officially declared that women’s sports were “unnecessary” and that any girl attempting to play would face severe punishment. Many players were forced to burn their cricket uniforms and go into hiding to protect their lives.
“If you try to play cricket again, we will kill you.”
— A message received by one of the players from the Taliban.
Most of the national team members managed to flee to Australia. While the Afghan men’s cricket team continued to play in international tournaments, the women’s team was denied official recognition by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
“We just want to play. Is that too much to ask?”
— Firoza Amiri, Afghanistan women’s cricket player.
2024 –
In July 2024, Afghan women cricketers formally requested ICC to allow them to form a refugee team. That request was denied.
2025 –
On January 30, 2025, after three years away from the pitch, Afghanistan’s women’s cricket team played their first match in Melbourne, Australia. The 20-over match was held at Junction Oval against the team “Cricket Without Borders.”
Although Afghanistan lost the game, the match was far more than just a competition. It was a message—a message to millions of Afghan women still deprived of their basic rights.
After the match, team captain Nahida Sapan said:
“We are not just building a team; we are creating a movement for change and progress.”
They may have lost the match, but their presence on that field was a victory—a declaration that Afghan women will not be silenced. It was a message of resilience, a defiant stand against the stolen rights of Afghan women and girls.
Today, Afghanistan is a land where women are banned from education, employment, and sports. But on the cricket grounds of Australia, the exiled daughters of that land still stand tall, still play, and still believe that one day, they will return to represent their country on their own soil.
Listen to their voices. This is not just a game; this is a battle for survival.
