ICC Unveils 2030 Roadmap for Afghan Women’s Refugee Cricket Team
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken a historic step by announcing a long-term roadmap that could see the Afghan Women’s Refugee Team compete in ICC qualification pathways by 2030. It is the first time the ICC has set a timeline for the team’s potential participation in international competitions.
Although the players will not represent Afghanistan officially, the initiative offers them an opportunity to continue playing competitive cricket under a separate identity.
Special Taskforce to Lead the Project
The ICC has re-established a Special Taskforce to oversee the development of the Afghan Women’s Refugee Team.
The taskforce includes representatives from the BCCI, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Australia, along with ICC independent director Dr Ros Rivaz and Cricket Ireland CEO Sarah Keane.
Their responsibility will be to create a structured programme covering coaching, player development, international fixtures and long-term preparation leading up to 2030.
A New Opportunity for Afghan Women Cricketers
The Afghanistan Cricket Board had started building a women’s cricket programme after receiving Full Member status in 2017. However, those plans came to an abrupt halt following the return of the Taliban to power in 2021.
Many of the contracted women cricketers were forced to leave Afghanistan and later settled in countries including Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Since then, the players have continued their cricket journey through various ICC-supported initiatives.
ICC Continues Long-Term Support
The ICC confirmed that financial and developmental support for the refugee team will continue over the coming years.
Apart from organising training camps and international tours, the programme will also provide players with access to coaching, physiotherapy and development opportunities in their respective countries of residence.
The objective is to ensure the squad remains competitive while preparing for future ICC qualification events.
Players Welcome the ICC’s Decision
Members of the Afghan Women’s Refugee Team welcomed the announcement and described it as a significant milestone for their future in cricket.
The players said the programme has allowed them to stay connected as a team despite living in different countries and has given them renewed motivation to continue pursuing their cricketing dreams.
They also expressed gratitude for receiving equal opportunities to develop their careers despite the challenges they have faced.
Qualification Pathway Yet to Be Finalised
The ICC has not yet confirmed which regional qualification pathway the Afghan Women’s Refugee Team will compete in.
While Afghanistan’s men’s team participates in the Asian region, the majority of the refugee women’s squad is currently based in Australia, making the East Asia-Pacific pathway another possible option.
A final decision is expected once the development programme progresses further.
Historic Step for Women’s Cricket
The ICC’s latest initiative is widely seen as an important move towards providing displaced athletes with opportunities to compete at the highest level.
If the roadmap progresses as planned, the Afghan Women’s Refugee Team could become eligible to participate in ICC qualification events by 2030, marking a significant chapter in the history of women’s cricket.
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