ICC launches landmark initiative to support displaced Afghan women cricketers | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: In a major move to promote inclusivity and opportunity in cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday announced the formation of a dedicated task force to support displaced Afghan women cricketers. The initiative, launched in partnership with the BCCI, ECB and Cricket Australia, aims to provide holistic support to Afghan women athletes uprooted from their homeland due to political turmoil.
The ICC will establish a special fund to offer direct financial assistance, ensuring that these cricketers can continue pursuing their careers. In addition, a robust high-performance programme will offer access to elite coaching, world-class facilities, and personalised mentorship.
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“At the International Cricket Council, we are deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and ensuring every cricketer has the opportunity to shine, regardless of their circumstances,” said ICC Chairman Jay Shah. “In collaboration with our valued partners, we are proud to launch this task force and support fund, complemented by a comprehensive high-performance programme, to ensure displaced Afghan women cricketers can continue their journey in the sport. This initiative reflects our steadfast dedication to cricket’s global growth and its power to inspire unity, resilience, and hope.”
The ICC believes the initiative will preserve the cricketing careers of Afghan women while reinforcing the sport’s potential as a force for unity and resilience.
The Board also approved the ICC Group’s audited financial statements for the year ending 2024 and announced key committee appointments.
Following the recommendations from the Chief Executives Committee, the Board confirmed the following appointments:
ICC Women’s Cricket Committee: Catherine Campbell (re-appointed), Avril Fahey and Pholetsi Moseki.
ICC Men’s Cricket Committee:Sourav Ganguly was re-appointed as Chair and Hamid Hassan, Desmond Haynes, Temba Bavuma, VVS Laxman (re-appointment) and Jonathan Trott were appointed to the Committee.
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