Afghanistan’s women cricketers reunite for first match since fleeing Taliban

Afghanistan’s women cricketers played their first game in three years on Thursday, marking a historic moment since they fled the country following the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021.

The charity match, held in Melbourne, Australia, brought together members of the former national team, now living as refugees, in an effort that captain Nahida Sapan hopes will spark a “movement for change.”

With the Taliban banning women’s sports and education, hundreds of female athletes were forced to leave Afghanistan. Most of the national cricket team sought refuge in Australia, where they reunited for the first time on the field at Melbourne’s Junction Oval.

"Together, we're building not just a team but a movement for change and promise," Sapan said before the game. She expressed hope that the match would open doors for Afghan women in sports and education.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) had made a historic decision in November 2020, offering 25 women cricketers professional contracts. However, the squad never had a chance to play together before the Taliban’s takeover, which effectively ended women's cricket in Afghanistan.

Reflecting on the hardships, cricketer Firooza Amiri shared the contrast between her current life in Australia and the grim reality in Afghanistan. "I can live freely in Australia and live my life the way I want. But back home... it is heartbreaking and very difficult for women to live in such conditions," she said.

Diana Barakzai, one of the pioneers of Afghanistan’s women's cricket program nearly 20 years ago, called the game an “amazing moment” and a powerful message to the world. "I'm sure this sends a strong message that something must be done for Afghan women - especially in reopening schools and workplaces," she told AFP.

Out of the 25 originally contracted players, 22 now reside in Australia. Some have actively lobbied the International Cricket Council (ICC), seeking recognition for a refugee team under an official status.

Despite their efforts, the ICC has not responded to their appeals.

Last year, several Afghan women cricketers expressed their deep frustration in a joint letter, stating that they still dream of representing their country, even if it means competing under a different banner.

The Afghan team faced an invitation XI from Cricket Without Borders, a charity dedicated to empowering young women through cricket. Wearing blue uniforms similar to the national men's team, the Afghan players began the match with a short team prayer before taking to the field.

They set a target of 103 runs in 20 overs, with former national captain Shazia Zazai leading the scoreboard with 40 runs off 45 balls. However, their opponents secured victory with just four balls to spare.

Cricket Australia (CA) has pledged support for Afghanistan’s displaced women cricketers, with chief executive Nick Hockley commending efforts to assist the players since their arrival in Australia. "I'm just so proud of everyone across Australian cricket who's worked to support the players," Hockley said earlier this week.

Australia has also taken a strong stance against the Taliban’s policies, refusing to play non-tournament fixtures against Afghanistan’s men’s team in protest of the Taliban’s suppression of women’s rights.