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'We didn't give up': Afghan refugee cricketers celebrate ICC decision

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Approved/passed
  • Afghan refugee women cricketers secured their playing future with continued funding and a pathway to ICC qualification events by 2030.
  • The International Cricket Council's decision was hailed as a massive victory and a significant moment for the sport.
  • Players expressed emotion and pride in representing their country, highlighting their talent and strength despite adversity.

The Afghan women's refugee cricket team has achieved a significant victory, securing their playing future through continued funding from the International Cricket Council (ICC) and a promise of participation in qualification events by 2030. This decision marks a pivotal moment for the team, which has faced immense challenges since the Taliban's return to power in 2021.

It was a magical day.

— Benafsha HashimiDescribing the experience of meeting King Charles

Players like Benafsha Hashimi, who once feared for her life simply for playing cricket, described the recent ICC announcement as "magical." She reflected on the team's journey, from facing starvation and lacking resources to meeting King Charles in London during their recent tour of England. This royal audience underscored the international respect and recognition the team has earned.

In December 2022, the team appealed to the ICC, stating their desire to show the world that their hopes and the representation of their country remained alive despite war, insecurity, and injustice. The ICC's announcement this week validates their persistent efforts and provides a clear pathway for them to compete on the international stage.

Who would believe the girl who was starving for days, [whose] family had nothing, no money, no power … today she's meeting the King?

— Benafsha HashimiReflecting on her journey and current recognition

Canberra-based player Shafiqa Khan expressed deep emotion upon hearing the news, emphasizing the hard work behind this day. "We can represent our country, we can play together and we can show the world that Afghan women are talented, they [are] strong, they can follow their passion," she stated. Teammates are now based in Australia, Canada, and the UK, with Cricket Australia, the England and Wales Cricket Board, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India forming a special taskforce to oversee their development.

We want to show the world that even though war, insecurity, inequality and injustice the hopes [of] our team and representing our country remain alive.

— Afghan women's teamFrom their appeal letter to the ICC

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg noted that details regarding the funding and collaborative efforts are still being finalized, with the aim of ensuring the program's longevity and success. The ICC's commitment includes a pathway to unspecified qualification events within the next five years, potentially leading to participation in major tournaments, including the Olympics.

When we hear about this news, we feel very emotional because we really did work hard for this day.

— Shafiqa KhanReacting to the ICC's announcement
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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