MELBOURNE, Jan 30, (V7N) – Afghanistan's women’s cricket team played their first match in three years on Thursday in Australia, marking a historic moment since they fled the Taliban’s regime in 2021.

The charity match in Melbourne saw players reunite after years of uncertainty, with captain Nahida Sapan hoping the game would "open doors for Afghan women" in education and sports.

Before the Taliban takeover, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) had awarded 25 women professional contracts in November 2020. However, when the Taliban seized power in August 2021, women's sports and education were banned, forcing hundreds of female athletes to flee.

22 of the original 25 players have now settled in Australia.

They have been lobbying the ICC to recognize a refugee team, but their requests remain ignored.

Cricketer Firooza Amiri said they aim to represent millions of Afghan women denied their rights.

The game, played at Melbourne’s Junction Oval, featured an Afghan side against an invitation team from the charity Cricket Without Borders, which promotes women's cricket globally.

Cricket Australia (CA) has pledged to advocate for Afghan women’s cricket.

CA Chief Nick Hockley praised efforts to support the players since their arrival in Australia.

Australia has boycotted men’s cricket fixtures against Afghanistan over human rights concerns.

Despite being unable to officially represent their country, the Afghan women cricketers hope this match sparks a movement for change, giving Afghan women and girls a platform to pursue their dreams in sports.

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