Afghanistan Women's Cricket Team to Play First Match Since 2021 in Melbourne

The refugee team, now based in Australia, will face Cricket Without Borders XI in a symbolic exhibition game highlighting resilience and hope.

The Afghanistan Women's XI, composed of refugee players who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover in 2021, will play their first match in three years on Thursday in Melbourne.
The team will compete against Cricket Without Borders XI at the Junction Oval, preceding the opening day of the Women's Ashes Test between Australia and England.
This match, described as historic by players and organizers, aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by Afghan women and promote opportunities in sports and education.
Nahida Sapan, the team captain, emphasized the significance of the match as a statement against the Taliban's restrictions on women's rights, calling it a moment of hope for Afghan women globally.
Organized with support from Cricket Australia, Cricket Without Borders, and the Australian government, the event symbolizes resilience and aims to inspire further international support for Afghan women in sports.