AFGHANISTAN CRICKET
Will Afghanistan women cricketers find their place on the global stage? This is a complex question, as the 25 contracted players from the Afghanistan Cricket Board have been living in exile since the Taliban’s return to power. Yet, their aspirations to represent their nation remain vibrant. Recently, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced a dedicated task force to assist displaced Afghan women cricketers, bringing renewed hope. Firooza Amiri, who escaped Afghanistan, recently shared her thoughts with Cricbuzz about these revitalized hopes for playing cricket competitively once again.
What impact will the ICC’s new task force have on Afghan women cricketers?
We are thrilled about the ICC’s formation of a dedicated task force to support Afghan women cricketers. It’s a significant step forward. While we are still waiting for more details on the funding, optimism remains high. It matters that the task force includes representatives from our group and Pitch Our Future, ensuring that the players’ voices are prioritized in every decision. We appreciate that the ICC recognizes our circumstances and look forward to learning about the assistance provided.
What role does Pitch Our Future play?
Pitch Our Future serves as the official platform for the Afghanistan Women’s National Cricket Team in exile. It was created to raise global awareness about our challenges as athletes and individuals rebuilding their lives through cricket and education. The platform offers insights into our backgrounds and personal aspirations, while also advocating for our international recognition. The support from Pitch Our Future has been invaluable for securing necessary resources for training and development.
How meaningful was the recent cricket match for Afghan women cricketers in Australia?
The match on January 30 represented more than just a game; it marked a new beginning for us in Australia. After years of struggle, reuniting with my teammates and proudly donning our national colors was an emotional milestone. It symbolized resilience, not just for us but for every Afghan girl fighting for her rights. The game reinforced our identity as Afghan cricketers and showed that our journey is not over.
What has it been like living in exile?
Living in exile is profoundly disappointing. None of us chose to leave Afghanistan; we were compelled to. Being away from home and family is tough, but we strive to represent our nation through cricket and our courage. This disappointment has fueled our determination to keep moving forward.
How has choosing cricket in Afghanistan shaped your experiences?
My journey as a woman in cricket has been challenging. Pursuing this profession was fraught with cultural restrictions, lack of support, and fear. Nonetheless, our love for the game kept us going. Cricket has given us identity and purpose, and that belief still propels us forward despite the obstacles we face.
We are maintaining communication among our teammates in Australia and supporting one another as we rebuild our team. While we have not received any assistance from the Afghanistan Cricket Board due to the current political climate, we are grateful for the existing support from Cricket Australia and others. Our goal remains clear: to develop as cricketers and regain our footing in the sport we love.
