Dubai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the formation of a dedicated task force aimed at supporting displaced Afghan women cricketers.
The ICC will partner with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Australia (CA) to provide meaningful support to Afghan women as a part of the landmark initiative.
As part of the initiative, the ICC will set up a dedicated fund to provide direct monetary support, helping ensure the players have the resources they need to keep pursuing the game.
This will be backed by a strong high-performance programme that includes advanced coaching, access to world-class facilities and personalised mentorship designed to help the players elevate their game.
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,” Shah added.
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.