The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Afghanistan’s exiled women’s cricket team is set to travel to United Kingdom this summer to take part in a series of Twenty20 matches, in what officials have described as a historic tour.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on May
21 that it will host the Afghan women’s refugee team later this year.
According to the ECB, the team is scheduled to arrive in
Britain on June 22, 2026, where players will not only compete in T20 matches
but also receive training during their stay.
Around 20 members of Afghanistan’s former women’s national
cricket team were forced to flee the country following the Taliban’s return to
power in 2021. Most of the players have since resettled in Australia, where
they continue to pursue cricket.
As part of their visit, the team is also expected to attend
the final match of the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, aiming to strengthen
their ties with the international cricket community.
The ECB described the tour as highly significant from both
cultural and sporting perspectives, emphasizing that supporting the rights of
these athletes sends an important message for the future of Afghan cricket.
Clare Connor, deputy chief executive of the ECB and managing
director of women’s cricket in England, said the players have shown remarkable
resilience by continuing their sporting journey under extremely difficult
circumstances.
“We are proud to host this tour and support the players as
they deepen their connection with the game,” she said.
The development comes as the Taliban have imposed sweeping
restrictions on women’s education, sports, and public freedoms since regaining
control of Afghanistan, issuing increasingly strict decrees affecting women’s
rights.
