Jay Shah Steps Up To Help Afghan Women In Cricket

Following the return of Taliban, women in Afghanistan have been banned from playing cricket, forcing many to continue their passion in exile.

Following the return of Taliban, women in Afghanistan have been banned from playing cricket.

Source : @JayShah / X

The ICC has announced a major initiative to support displaced Afghan women cricketers by forming a dedicated task force in collaboration with the BCCI, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and Cricket Australia.

This move aims to assist these players not only in their cricketing careers but also in their overall personal development. The initiative includes a financial assistance fund and a comprehensive high-performance program.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah, in a media release, stated that the ICC remains committed to fostering inclusivity and ensuring that every cricketer has an opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances.

He emphasized the importance of this initiative in helping Afghan women continue their cricketing journey, despite the challenges posed by the current situation in Afghanistan.

Women in Afghanistan banned from playing cricket

Following the return of Taliban, women in Afghanistan have been banned from playing cricket, forcing many to continue their passion in exile. This task force is seen as a much-needed lifeline for those athletes who have been striving to keep their cricketing dreams alive in difficult conditions.

I'm proud to announce on behalf of the @ICC a landmark initiative we've partnered on with the BCCI, England & Wales Cricket Board and Cricket Australia to assist displaced Afghan women cricketers in both their cricketing and development journeys.

Media release:… pic.twitter.com/Rf3n0ZBy53

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) April 13, 2025

Sourav Ganguly reappointed as chairman of ICC Men's Cricket Committee

In a related update, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has been reappointed as the chairman of the ICC Men's Cricket Committee. VVS Laxman continues as a panel member, while new additions include Afghanistan's Hamid Hassan, West Indies legend Desmond Haynes, South Africa's Temba Bavuma, and former England cricketer Jonathan Trott.

On the women's side, former New Zealand off-spinner Katherine Campbell has been named chairperson of the ICC Women's Cricket Committee. She will be joined by former Australian player Avril Fahey and Cricket South Africa's Foletsi Moseki.