The Afghan Refugee Women’s XI has taken to the cricket field this summer for a landmark tour of England, marking a significant moment for a group of players whose international careers were abruptly halted when the Taliban effectively outlawed women’s sport in Afghanistan in 2021.
The tour will see the team play T20 matches and attend the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at Lord’s. For players who were forced to flee their homeland and rebuild their lives abroad, it represents a rare opportunity to come together once again as a team on the international stage.
Many of the players now live in Australia, where they have continued to train, compete and advocate for greater recognition of displaced Afghan women cricketers. Their story has become a powerful symbol of resilience, determination and the importance of protecting opportunities for women and girls in sport.
Speaking about what the team hopes to achieve, player Shafiqa Khan said:
“We can represent Afghan women who live back home and be a voice for a million girls who are denied their basic rights.”
Among the players taking part is Ekil Latifi, a member of the Afghan Refugee Women’s XI and a Maiden Cricket ambassador, the brand supplying some of the team’s equipment.
Ekil said:
“As a member of the Afghan Refugee Women’s XI, I am incredibly proud to be part of the Maiden ambassador community and to help show that women and girls from all backgrounds belong in cricket. I hope our story inspires others and helps continue to grow the visibility of the women’s game around the world.”
Cat Black, Co-Founder of Maiden Cricket, said:
“The courage and determination shown by these players is extraordinary. After everything they have experienced, to see them back on the field together and representing so many women and girls who cannot currently play sport is incredibly powerful.
We are proud that Maiden could play a small part in this historic moment and wish the team every success during the tour.”
Mel Jones of Pitch Our Future, which helped coordinate the initiative, has described the initiative as “a major step forward”, while stressing the need for sustained support and meaningful opportunities beyond this summer.