ICC Launches Global Initiative to Empower Afghan Women Cricketers
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has launched a dedicated task force to support displaced Afghan women cricketers, marking a significant step in promoting inclusivity in the sport. This initiative is being undertaken in collaboration with major cricketing bodies including the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and Cricket Australia (CA).
As part of this landmark move, the ICC will establish a special fund to offer direct financial assistance to the affected players, ensuring they have the resources needed to continue pursuing cricket. In addition to financial aid, the initiative will include a comprehensive high-performance program, offering elite-level coaching, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and personalized mentorship—all aimed at helping these athletes grow and thrive in the sport.
Commenting on the initiative, ICC Chair 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 believes this initiative will not only help preserve the sporting careers of Afghan women cricketers but also reinforce the sport’s role as a unifying force that transcends borders and adversity. Furthermore, at the same board meeting, the ICC approved the consolidated Group annual financial statements for the year ended 2024.
Several key appointments were also confirmed, including Catherine Campbell’s re-appointment to the ICC Women’s Cricket Committee, along with new members Avril Fahey and Pholetsi Moseki. Sourav Ganguly was re-appointed as Chair of the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee, joined by newly appointed members Hamid Hassan, Desmond Haynes, Temba Bavuma, VVS Laxman (re-appointed), and Jonathan Trott.
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