ICC empowers Special Taskforce to develop roadmap for Afghan refugee women

The International Cricket Council endorsed the continuation of the Development Pathway Programme for Afghan refugee women cricketers at the Annual Conference in Edinburgh last week.

The ICC also reconstituted the Special Taskforce and assigned it the responsibility to develop a roadmap for the team to participate in ICC qualification events by 2030.

The ICC Board also approved the appointment of its Independent Director Dr. Ros Rivaz and ICC Chief Executives' Committee member Sarah Keane to the Special Task Force. 

The duo, along with the existing members (from BCCI, Cricket Australia and England & Wales Cricket Board) of the Task Force, will support the ongoing oversight of the programme, seeking balance to the imperatives of exposure, representation and enhanced competitive standards for the women.

"I am honoured to join the ICC Special Task Force and contribute to this important initiative,” Dr. Rivaz said. 

“The Task Force has been entrusted with developing a clear and sustainable roadmap that supports the continued development of Afghan refugee women cricketers through structured coaching, meaningful competitive opportunities and appropriate high-performance pathways. 

“This programme reflects the ICC's commitment to fostering opportunity through cricket, and I look forward to working alongside my fellow Task Force members, Members and delivery partners to ensure it is delivered with purpose, integrity and long-term sustainability."

Nahida Sapan, who is among the Afghan refugee women cricketers, echoed the importance of the programme, which has made major strides to back them.

“This programme has already made a real difference to us, not only by helping us continue playing cricket, but by enabling us to come together and play as a team,” Sapan said. 

“It’s very reassuring to hear that the ICC and the Task Force are making a long-term commitment to supporting our development. We appreciate the recognition that we have the same rights and opportunities as players of other countries.”

Afghan refugee women cricketer Firooza Afghan added: “Over the past year, the opportunities to come together as a group and tour India and England have provided us some of the most memorable experiences in our lives. 

“The support to train in our home locations with quality coaches plays a big role in our progress. 

“A long term view of participation in ICC qualification pathways gives us a clear goal to work towards, and we are determined to make the most of every opportunity along that journey.”

Former Australia international-turned-commentator, Mel Jones, sees the initiative as an important and powerful one. 

“The continued support for these remarkable women, alongside a clear roadmap towards ICC qualification pathways by 2030, represents an important commitment to their future,” Jones said. 

“It sends a powerful message that talent and determination deserve opportunity. These players are role models, inspiring women and girls around the world, and it’s exciting to see a long-term pathway that balances development with meaningful competition while recognising their unique journey. 

“The progress they’ve made over the past year has been extraordinary, and I can’t wait to see what this team achieves by 2030.”

The support to the Afghan refugee women cricketers involves continued access to cricket and S&C coaches as well as physiotherapy in their home locations, with an increase of game time planned in a phased manner. The players, currently based in Australia, England and Canada, will continue to be integrated into their local cricket environments, as they are provided with training and playing opportunities. 

The players will also continue to receive opportunities to train and compete as a group, similar to tours facilitated to India and England over the last 12 months. Such collective playing opportunities, set to be implemented in a phased manner, will be against opposition chosen with a strategic view to support their development towards ICC qualification events by 2030.