Afghanistan’s displaced women cricketers will visit England next month as a major step in their efforts to rebuild their cricket careers after the Taliban returned to power.According to the England and Wales Cricket Board, Afghanistan’s refugee team will include players who were previously contracted to the Afghanistan Cricket Board and later left the country after being “systematically excluded from the game and public life” by the Taliban.The tour will begin on June 22 and will include Twenty20 matches, training sessions and an opportunity for the players to participate in the final of the Women’s T20 World Cup at Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 5.The ECB said the visit had “significant cultural and sporting significance.”“This tour not only provides an opportunity for them to compete as a team, but also a moment for cricket in this country to stand up to protect the inclusion and inclusion of women in the game,” the ECB said.Most of Afghanistan’s players later settled in Australia, where they continued to play domestic cricket but remained without access to international matches, despite International Cricket Council rules requiring all members to support both men’s and women’s teams.The players have repeatedly asked the International Cricket Council to recognize them as a refugee team.His return to cricket has been supported by the consultancy firm “It’s Game On”, founded by former Australian cricketer Mel Jones.“These players have shown extraordinary courage and commitment to the game, despite everything that has been taken from them,” Jones said in an ECB statement.“They deserve more opportunities like this; they deserve to be recognized as part of the global cricket community.”Jones also called for more plans for “sustainable and meaningful action beyond this year.”ECB Deputy Chief Executive Claire Connor said cricket has a responsibility to stand up for inclusion and opportunity.“We are proud to host this tour, and help players deepen their connection to the game,” Connor said.
