ICC Launches Task Force to Support Displaced Afghan Women Cricketers

New Initiative for Afghan Women Cricketers

New Delhi [India] April 13: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the formation of a specialized task force aimed at assisting Afghan women cricketers who have been displaced.

In a pioneering effort, the ICC has partnered with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and Cricket Australia (CA) to provide support for these talented athletes in both their cricketing and personal development, according to a release from the ICC.

As part of this initiative, the ICC plans to establish a dedicated fund that will provide direct financial assistance, ensuring that these cricketers have the necessary resources to pursue their passion for the sport.

This initiative will also include a comprehensive high-performance program that offers elite coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and tailored mentorship to help them reach their full potential.

Jay Shah highlighted the ICC's commitment to inclusivity and the importance of providing equal opportunities for all cricketers. He noted the launch of the task force, support fund, and high-performance program aimed at helping displaced Afghan women cricketers continue their careers.

He stated that this initiative demonstrates the ICC's dedication to the global growth of cricket and its ability to inspire unity, resilience, and hope.

“At the International Cricket Council, we are firmly committed to promoting inclusivity and ensuring that every cricketer has the chance to excel, regardless of their circumstances. Together with our esteemed partners, we are excited to introduce this task force and support fund, along with a comprehensive high-performance program, to help displaced Afghan women cricketers continue their journey in the sport. This initiative embodies our unwavering commitment to the global advancement of cricket and its capacity to foster unity, resilience, and hope,” Jay Shah remarked in the ICC release.

The ICC believes that this initiative will not only safeguard the sporting careers of Afghan women cricketers but also strengthen the sport's role as a unifying force that transcends borders and challenges.

Additionally, the Board has approved the consolidated ICC Group audited financial statements for the year ending 2024.

Following recommendations from the Chief Executives Committee, the Board confirmed several appointments:

ICC Women’s Cricket Committee: Catherine Campbell (re-appointed), Avril Fahey, and Pholetsi Moseki.

ICC Men’s Cricket Committee: Sourav Ganguly was re-appointed as Chair, and Hamid Hassan, Desmond Haynes, Temba Bavuma, VVS Laxman (re-appointment), and Jonathan Trott were appointed to the Committee.