For the first time in three years, the Afghanistan women’s cricket team took the field in a charity exhibition match held in Australia. The event was not just a game but a powerful statement advocating for women’s rights in sports, education, and freedom.

Team captain Naoida Sapan expressed her excitement, stating, “We are not just forming a team; we are building a movement for change. This match gives us hope and can open doors for Afghan women in sports and education.”

A New Beginning for Afghan Women Cricketers

Most of the Afghan women cricketers are currently living in exile in Australia, having fled their home country after the Taliban’s takeover in 2021. Many of them are based in Canberra and Melbourne, where they have continued their training despite the challenges.

This match was a collaborative effort by Cricket Australia and Cricket Without Borders, bringing together the Afghan Women’s XI and an invitational team for a much-anticipated return to action.

Cricket Ban on Women in Afghanistan

Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan, women have been banned from playing sports, leaving female athletes with no choice but to seek opportunities abroad. The charity match in Australia is seen as a step towards keeping Afghan women’s cricket alive on the international stage.

With growing global support, the team hopes to continue playing and advocating for women’s inclusion in sports, despite the barriers imposed in their home country.