When India face Sri Lanka in the Women’s World Cup 2025 opener, the focus will not just be on the match. A group of Afghanistan’s exiled women cricketers will also attend the game in Guwahati.
The Assam Cricket Association (ACA) Stadium will host them as spectators. These players do not officially represent Afghanistan because the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has not recognized them. Still, they are active in Australian cricket leagues where they currently live.
ACA President Taranga Gogoi confirmed the plan. “[BCCI secretary] Devajit Saikia knows exactly what details about this. He will guide us, and we are awaiting more details. The Afghanistan players will be here tomorrow and we will make arrangements for that,” he told ESPNcricinfo.
ICC’s Quiet Support
The ICC has not made any formal announcement about this visit. Earlier in April, the ICC had confirmed the creation of a “dedicated task force” to support Afghanistan’s female cricketers. This includes coaching and mentorship, with funding from the ICC and major cricket boards like the BCCI, ECB, and CA.
The details of this financial support have not been revealed. However, the ICC and its partners have been trying to ensure Afghanistan’s women cricketers remain part of the global cricket ecosystem.
Plans Discussed in ICC Conference
The idea to bring these exiled players to India was discussed during the ICC’s annual conference in July. At that time, a loose plan included a training camp in Bengaluru. The players were also expected to compete against Indian domestic sides and attend several World Cup matches.
Currently, their schedule seems limited. They are likely to play some fixtures but may attend only the opening match of the World Cup. No official confirmation has been made.
Sensitive Situation in Afghanistan
The ICC has kept publicity around the visit minimal. This is due to concerns about possible backlash from the Afghanistan government. Since the Taliban takeover in 2021, women have been banned from universities, schools, and most public spaces.
Because of these restrictions, the ACB cannot ratify or support a women’s team. Yet, in 2020, the ACB had contracted 25 female players. Many of them later fled to countries like Australia, the UK, and Canada.
Cricketers in Exile
The majority of Afghanistan’s exiled women cricketers now live in Australia. Not all could make the trip to India due to visa issues. However, some who did arrive in India had earlier featured in an exhibition match in January. The match was between an Afghanistan XI and Cricket without Borders.
Their presence at the Women’s World Cup opener in Guwahati marks an important symbolic step. While they cannot officially represent Afghanistan, their visibility highlights the ongoing struggle for women’s participation in cricket and public life.
