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Afghan women's cricket team seeks ICC recognition after England tour win
The Afghan women's cricket team defeated an MCC Foundation XI in High Wycombe and called on the International Cricket Council to clarify their future status and funding. The players, living in Australia, currently tour as the Afghan Refugee Women's Team.
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The Afghan women's cricket team beat an MCC Foundation XI at Worsley Cricket Ground in High Wycombe during the opening match of their England tour. The players spoke afterward to request a clear answer from the International Cricket Council on long-term recognition and funding. They have lived and trained in Australia since fleeing Afghanistan five years ago.
Match and royal meeting All-rounder Firooza Afghan said the victory gave the players confidence and that the team plays for women and girls still in Afghanistan. Batter Firooza Amiri described the uncertainty over future support as very worrying and asked whether the ICC would continue backing the squad.
The players met King Charles before the match. Afghan said the meeting provided inspiration, while Amiri called the encounter beautiful.
Funding timeline and comparisons A joint support programme from the ICC and the cricket boards of England, Australia and India ends after the current tour, with no replacement plan announced. The ICC annual conference next month will address future funding.
The team currently competes without official ICC recognition and uses a special badge instead of Afghanistan's crest. The Afghanistan men's team retains full ICC membership. Last month FIFA approved the return of Afghanistan's women's national football team to international matches.
The cricket players said they hope for similar recognition. The team will play five matches in England and attend the Women's T20 World Cup final at Lord's.
