ICC Commitment Secures Future for Afghan Refugee Women Cricketers Through Structured 2030 Qualification Pathway

ICC Commitment Secures Future for Afghan Refugee Women Cricketers Through Structured 2030 Qualification Pathway

The ICC Board, convening at its Annual Conference in Edinburgh, has reaffirmed its dedication to advancing the Development Pathway Programme for Afghan refugee women cricketers. Central to this commitment is the reconstitution of the Special Taskforce, now tasked with charting a strategic roadmap to enable the Afghan refugee women’s team to qualify for ICC pathways by 2030.

Key to this initiative is the appointment of ICC Independent Director Dr. Ros Rivaz and CCEC member Sarah Keane to the Taskforce. Their inclusion alongside representatives from the BCCI, Cricket Australia, and the England & Wales Cricket Board ensures a collaborative effort to balance exposure, representation, and competitive excellence for the women’s programme.

Dr. Ros Rivaz expressed her enthusiasm: “It is an honor to contribute to this vital initiative. The Taskforce’s mandate—to craft a sustainable roadmap supporting Afghan refugee women cricketers via structured coaching, competitive opportunities, and high-performance pathways—reflects the ICC’s broader mission to create opportunities through cricket. I am eager to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure this programme’s long-term impact.”

Nahida Sapan, an Afghan refugee cricketer, underscored the programme’s significance: “This initiative has transformed our ability to compete and unite as a team. Knowing the ICC is investing in our long-term development reinforces that we deserve equal rights and opportunities as cricketers worldwide.”

Firooza Afghan echoed this sentiment: “Experiences like touring India and England have been pivotal. Training locally with skilled coaches and participating in ICC qualification pathways provides a tangible goal. Our progress underscores the value of sustained, strategic investment in our journey toward 2030.”

Mel Jones, co-founder of It’s Game On, highlighted the programme’s broader implications: “Supporting these athletes with a clear 2030 roadmap signals a profound commitment to their futures. Their resilience and talent inspire millions, and this pathway ensures their development aligns with meaningful competition while honoring their unique challenges. Their rapid advancements over the past year are a testament to this approach.”

The programme’s support framework includes access to coaching, strength-and-conditioning trainers, and physiotherapy in host countries. Players based in Australia, England, and Canada will continue integrating into local cricket ecosystems for training and matches.

Group training and international tours, exemplified by recent trips to India and England, will expand incrementally. These experiences, paired with strategically selected opposition, aim to accelerate their readiness for ICC qualification events by 2030.

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