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ZuluIn a first-of-its-kind initiative, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has set up a dedicated task force to support displaced Afghanistan women cricketers. The world body has joined with the BCCI, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Australia (CA) to assist the Afghan women cricketers in their development, both on and off the field going forward.
Ever since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan, their women’s team hasn’t featured in any international fixture with a majority of the players fleeing the country and settling in Australia. There have been calls to the ICC from several quarters, including from British MPs, to suspend the Afghanistan Cricket Board. During the ICC Champions Trophy, some politicians in Britain even wanted England to boycott their fixture against Afghanistan.
Though the chances of the women’s team returning to the field still look distant, the ICC has stepped in to form this task force to help their cause.
“As part of the initiative, the ICC will establish a dedicated fund to provide direct monetary assistance, ensuring these cricketers have the resources they need to continue pursuing the game they love. This will be complemented by a robust high-performance programme offering advanced coaching, world-class facilities, and tailored mentorship to help them reach their full potential,” the ICC said in its statement.
Its chair Jay Shah said the ICC will also form a high-performance programme to help the Afghan women cricketers’ development.
“At the ICC, 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.”
Meanwhile, based on the recommendations from its chief executives committee, the ICC board has also confirmed the make-up of its cricket committees. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly will continue to remain the chair of the men’s committee.
ICC Women’s Cricket Committee: Catherine Campbell (re-appointed), Avril Fahey and Pholetsi Moseki.
ICC Men’s Cricket Committee: Sourav Ganguly Chair (re-appointed), Hamid Hassan, Desmond Haynes, Temba Bavuma, VVS Laxman (re-appointed) and Jonathan Trott.