Afghanistan is next to South Africa and New Zealand, possibly the group of death. They will start their T20 World Cup campaign against New Zealand on February 8. Before the match, Rashid Khan had a pre-match press conference where he spoke about supporting women’s cricket in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan Women’s Cricket continues to find support
Afghanistan, which is under the control of the Taliban. Rashid Khan discussed the sensitive topic of women’s cricket in Afghanistan and gave people a rare opportunity to know his views despite mounting international criticism.
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Afghanistan’s position in international cricket continues to be hampered by the fact that several Afghan women cricketers are currently exiled after escaping the Taliban government. He expressed his views on the importance of full ICC membership and showed pride in seeing their women’s team represent the country on every stage.
Rashid Khan supports the Afghan women’s team
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Rashid said: “Women’s team? Absolutely. I think that’s part of the criteria for being a full member. The ICC and the Afghanistan Cricket Board know best, but we like to see someone representing Afghanistan on any stage. It’s a proud moment and you’re representing your country.”
In 2025, Afghan women’s cricketer Firooza Amiri urged the men’s team to publicly support women in the conflict-affected country. She was confident that the growing popularity of the men’s team would help them grow women’s cricket in Afghanistan and find a way forward.
The Afghan captain also mentioned the limitations players face. He also pointed out that the decisions are ultimately made by the Afghanistan Cricket Board and the ICC, and not by individual cricketers.
Rashid Khan concluded, saying, “But yes, ultimately the decision lies with the Afghanistan Cricket Board and the ICC. As players, we don’t have much control and can only focus on what we can influence. In this situation, we can’t decide much, but our support is always there. The bigger decisions are made by those in charge, and they take the lead.”
ICC takes initiative to provide support
Last year, the top body announced that the Afghanistan women’s refugee team would be supported at the 2025 Women’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, and the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup in England. The decision was taken at the ICC’s annual conference last July to support the Afghan women’s team, which left the country after the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
The initiative was led by ICC Vice-Chairman Imran Khwaja, in collaboration with the BCCI, ECB and Cricket Australia. The program included training camps and matches against domestic teams. The refugee team was present during the opening match of the 2025 Women’s World Cup in Guwahati.
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