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The ICC Board, at its Annual Conference in Edinburgh, endorsed the continuation of the Development Pathway Programme for Afghan refugee women cricketers and reconstituted the Special Taskforce with a mandate to develop a roadmap for the team to participate in qualification pathways by 2030. Following the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, most players have sought refuge in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The Board approval represents the first concrete public commitment by cricket’s global governing body to chart a formal qualification pathway for the exiled squad.
The Board approved the appointment of its Independent Director Dr. Ros Rivaz and Chief Executives’ Committee member Sarah Keane to the Special Task Force, joining existing members from the BCCI, Cricket Australia and England & Wales Cricket Board. Afghan refugee women currently based in Australia, England and Canada will continue to be integrated into their local cricket environments while receiving opportunities to train and compete as a group, similar to tours facilitated to India and England over the past 12 months.
“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’s very reassuring to hear that the ICC and the Task Force are making a long-term commitment to supporting our development. We appreciate the recognition that we have the same rights and opportunities as players of other countries,” said Nahida Sapan as quoted by ICC.
What support will the players receive under the programme?
Support will include continued access to cricket and strength-and-conditioning coaches as well as physiotherapy in their home locations, with an increase of game time planned in a phased manner.
“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,” said Afghan refugee women cricketer Firooza Afghan.
When will these players attempt qualification?
Collective playing opportunities will be built up in a phased manner against opposition chosen with a strategic view to support their development towards ICC qualification events by 2030. The timeline provides a window of approximately four years for the squad, most forced into exile after the Taliban’s return, to rebuild their competitive foundation and pursue official ICC recognition through established qualification pathways. No further immediate tournament assignments have been announced.
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