April 14, 2025 — In a landmark move towards promoting inclusivity and safeguarding the future of women’s cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the formation of a dedicated task force to support displaced Afghan women cricketers.
Unveiled on Sunday, the initiative has been launched in collaboration with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and Cricket Australia (CA). It marks a significant step in ensuring that displaced Afghan female athletes can continue their cricketing journey despite the challenges they face.
At the core of this initiative is a dedicated support fund aimed at delivering direct monetary assistance to Afghan women cricketers, enabling them to continue their sporting careers. Alongside financial aid, the ICC will also introduce a comprehensive high-performance programme which includes access to elite coaching, world-class facilities, and personalised mentorship designed to nurture their growth both on and off the field.
Commenting on the announcement, ICC Chairman Mr. Jay Shah said:
“At the International Cricket Council, we are deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and ensuring every cricketer has the opportunity to shine, regardless of their circumstances. In collaboration with our valued partners, we are proud to launch this task force and support fund, complemented by a comprehensive high-performance programme, to ensure displaced Afghan women cricketers can continue their journey in the sport. This initiative reflects our steadfast dedication to cricket’s global growth and its power to inspire unity, resilience, and hope.”
The ICC reaffirmed that this initiative is not only designed to protect the sporting careers of Afghan women but also to reinforce cricket’s role as a global symbol of unity and resilience amidst adversity.
In addition to launching the support initiative, the ICC Board also approved the consolidated ICC Group audited financial statements for the year ending 2024.
Furthermore, following recommendations from the Chief Executives’ Committee, several key appointments were confirmed:
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ICC Women’s Cricket Committee: Catherine Campbell (re-appointed), Avril Fahey, and Pholetsi Moseki.
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ICC Men’s Cricket Committee: Sourav Ganguly (re-appointed as Chair), Hamid Hassan, Desmond Haynes, Temba Bavuma, VVS Laxman (re-appointed), and Jonathan Trott.
Source: ICC
