Aayal QureshiMarylebone: The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has announced the creation of a new refugee fund aimed at supporting displaced communities through cricket, with Afghanistan’s exiled women cricketers set to be the first beneficiaries. The fund, which aims to raise an initial £1 million ($1.24 million), was unveiled on Friday as part of efforts to provide hope and opportunity to those affected by conflict and displacement.
Hundreds of athletes fled Afghanistan after the Taliban regained power in 2021, imposing severe restrictions on women’s rights and freedoms. Among them were members of Afghanistan’s women’s cricket team, 25 of whom were contracted by the country’s cricket board in 2020. Most of these players have since resettled in Australia and played their first match on Thursday, marking a significant step in their journey to rebuild their lives through cricket.
The MCC’s global refugee cricket fund will focus on providing safe training facilities, educational opportunities, and growth pathways for displaced players. Rob Lynch, MCC Secretary, emphasized the transformative power of cricket, stating, “Cricket has the power to inspire, unite, and empower, and through this initiative, we aim to bring hope and opportunity to those who need it most.”
While Afghanistan’s men’s cricket team is well-established and receives funding from the International Cricket Council (ICC), the women’s team remains unsupported by the global body despite repeated appeals for assistance. The Taliban has defended its stance on women’s rights, claiming it aligns with its interpretation of Islamic law and local customs, and insists such matters should be addressed internally.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has also pledged its support for the initiative. Clare Connor, ECB Deputy Chief Executive, called on the global cricket community to rally behind the Afghan women, stating, “The cricket community must take action to support the brave Afghan women and to give hope that cricket can be a sport for any woman or girl.” She expressed hope that the fund’s launch would inspire other cricketing organizations to contribute and harness cricket’s power to unite communities worldwide.
The MCC, the custodian of cricket’s laws, hopes the fund will not only provide immediate support to Afghan women cricketers but also serve as a catalyst for broader efforts to promote inclusivity and empowerment through the sport.
As the Afghan women’s team continues to rebuild their lives and careers in exile, the MCC’s initiative offers a beacon of hope, demonstrating cricket’s ability to transcend borders and bring people together in times of adversity.
