ICC targets 2030 qualification pathway for Afghan refugee women's team

The ICC has committed to taking the next step in the development of Afghan refugee women cricketers by setting a 2030 target for the team to enter its qualification pathway for international events.

The decision was ratified at the ICC Annual Conference in Edinburgh, where the board reconstituted its Special Task Force to oversee a long-term roadmap for the squad. The move marks the first time the ICC has outlined a timeline for the team's potential participation in ICC qualification events, although they will not compete as Afghanistan because they do not have the backing of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB).

The expanded Task Force now includes ICC Independent Director Ros Rivaz and ICC Chief Executives' Committee member Sarah Keane alongside representatives from the BCCI, Cricket Australia and the ECB. It will oversee both the team's development programme and its progression towards competitive international cricket over the next five years.

"The Task Force has been entrusted with developing a clear and sustainable roadmap that supports the continued development of Afghan refugee women cricketers through structured coaching, meaningful competitive opportunities and appropriate high-performance pathways," Rivaz said.

The programme, launched earlier this year, will continue to provide players with coaching, strength and conditioning support, physiotherapy and progressively stronger competitive opportunities. Players based across Australia, England and Canada will remain part of their local cricket systems while assembling periodically for overseas training camps and tours.

This constitution of the STF comes close on the heels of the ECB hosting an Afghanistan Refugee Women's Team for a tour. The programme included T20 matches and high-performance training opportunities and delivered in partnership with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and the MCC Foundation. An Afghanistan women's team had also played against a 'Cricket Without Borders XI' at the Junction Oval in January 2025 ahead of the Women's Ashes Test at the MCG, a game that was streamed by Cricket Australia.

The initiative stems from the displacement of Afghanistan's women cricketers after the Taliban returned to power in 2021, effectively ending the country's women's cricket programme before it had the opportunity to play an international match. Many of those players have since resettled overseas and have continued training under the ICC-backed programme.

Nahida Sapan said the initiative had already helped the group stay connected through cricket. "This programme has already made a real difference to us, not only by helping us continue playing cricket, but by enabling us to come together and play as a team. It is very reassuring to hear that the ICC and the Task Force are making a long-term commitment to supporting our development," she said.

Fellow player Firooza Afghan said the team's recent tours had reinforced their belief that an international future remained possible. "Over the past year, the opportunities to come together as a group and tour India and England have provided us some of the most memorable experiences in our lives. The support to train in our home locations with quality coaches plays a big role in our progress.

"A long term view of participation in ICC qualification pathways gives us a clear goal to work towards, and we are determined to make the most of every opportunity along that journey."

The relocation and continued support of the players has been facilitated in part by It's Game On, a global sports consultancy co-founded by former Australia cricketer Mel Jones and Emma Staples, along with Dr Catherine Orway. Jones, in particular, played a pivotal role in helping the players relocate to Australia. Her organisation has worked with international sporting bodies on initiatives centred around equity and opportunities for displaced female athletes.

"The continued support for these remarkable women, alongside a clear roadmap towards ICC qualification pathways by 2030, represents an important commitment to their future. It sends a powerful message that talent and determination deserve opportunity," Jones said.

"These players are role models, inspiring women and girls around the world, and it's exciting to see a long-term pathway that balances development with meaningful competition while recognising their unique journey. The progress they've made over the past year has been extraordinary, and I can't wait to see what this team achieves by 2030," she said.