The exiled female cricket players from Afghanistan received a major boost on Sunday, the director of the game announcing a fund and a working group to support them.
Afghanistan had 25 crickets under contract in 2020, most of whom reinstalled in Australia with humanitarian visas due to home restrictions under the Taliban government.
The International Cricket Council said after her meeting of the Board of Directors in Harare that she joined the Cricket Councils of India, England and Australia to support their careers.
“As part of the initiative, the ICC will establish a dedicated fund to provide direct monetary assistance, ensuring that these cricket players have the resources they need to continue to continue the game they love,” he said in a statement, without giving financial details.
Australia and England have excluded bilateral cricket with Afghanistan on the issue of women’s rights and only compete in the nation only in ICC events such as World Cups and the Champions Trophy.
“We are deeply determined to promote inclusiveness and guarantee that each cricket player has the opportunity to shine, whatever their situation,” said ICC president Jay Shah.
“In collaboration with our precious partners, we are proud to launch this working and support group, supplemented by a full high performance program, to ensure that displaced Afghan cricket players can continue their trip to sport.”