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Afghanistan Women’s XI set to play historic exhibition match in Melbourne

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The Afghanistan Women’s XI is set to play a historic exhibition match in Melbourne, marking a significant milestone in their journey back to international cricket. The team, composed of refugees now residing in Australia, will face a Cricket Without Borders XI in a T20 match at the Junction Oval on Thursday morning, preceding the opening day of the day-night Women’s Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This will be the first time the Afghanistan Women’s team has reunited since fleeing their homeland following the Taliban’s takeover. The players, now based in Canberra and Melbourne, see this match as a crucial step in their cricketing journey.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Nick Hockley described the game as a beacon of hope and a testament to the resilience and passion of the Afghan players. Speaking at a press conference on Monday alongside players Nahida Sapan and Firooza Amiri, Hockley highlighted the collaborative efforts of Cricket Australia, Cricket Without Borders, and the Australian government in organizing the event. Clare Cannon, Chair of Cricket Without Borders, Director Ken Jacobs, and Australia’s Federal Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts were also present, emphasizing the broader significance of the occasion.

Hockley expressed optimism that the match would not only provide the Afghanistan Women’s XI with opportunities but also draw global attention to the challenges faced by women in cricket. He revealed that the England and Wales Cricket Board has shown interest in supporting the Afghan players, with England captain Heather Knight recently meeting them in Melbourne. Hockley described the event as the first step toward the team’s ultimate goal of competing on the international stage and hoped it would become an annual tradition.

He reflected on the emotional moment when the players received their shirts with their names and numbers for the first time, underscoring how much the match means to them. He praised their resilience in overcoming immense challenges, including moving to a new country under difficult circumstances and learning a new language. He expressed hope that this match would shine a light on the lack of opportunities for women and girls in certain parts of the world.

Nahida Sapan, who plays club cricket for Carnegie in Melbourne and will captain the side, described the match as a historic moment for Afghan women. She expressed her hope that it would open doors for Afghan women in education, sports, and other areas, emphasizing that they do not want this to be their first and last match. Firooza Amiri, who plays for Dandenong, shared similar sentiments, highlighting the excitement of reuniting after three years and representing millions of Afghan women who continue to face oppression. She noted that the team’s focus is on winning, reflecting their determination and pride.

Although Australia does not currently engage in bilateral cricket series with Afghanistan, the two nations continue to compete in ICC tournaments, with a clash scheduled in the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the UAE next month.

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