Afghan women ask ICC for 'clear answers' on future

The team's relationship with the ICC has been far from straightforward.

Since escaping Afghanistan in 2021, the players have accused the governing body of ignoring them and failing in its duty of care.

Meanwhile, the Afghanistan men's team has retained full ICC membership despite the country's inability to meet the membership requirement of supporting a women's national side.

In April 2025, the ICC, together with the cricket boards of England, Australia and India, announced a joint programme to provide financial support for the players.

The funding has enabled the squad to train in an elite performance environment over the past year, with two cricket sessions and two strength and conditioning sessions each week, alongside competitive matches.

However, that programme comes to an end after the England tour and there is currently no plan in place for what follows.

The future funding of the team will be discussed at the ICC's annual conference next month.

Connor believes the global game must now find a lasting solution.

"It is incumbent on the global community to work that out.

"It's an answer we've got to find. The global cricket community really needs to come together and develop a sustainable plan for this group of players."

Last month, football's governing body, Fifa, approved the return of the Afghan women's national football team to international competition. The cricketers now hope the ICC will follow suit.

"They deserve to be playing as Afghanistan's national women's football team, and we deserve the same thing," Amiri said.

"We're hoping that after all these matches and all the hard work we've put in, the ICC will see this team, recognise us, and finally give us what we deserve."

Under the current oppressive Taliban regime, women in Afghanistan are banned from education, sport and work and they are not allowed to leave the house without a male guardian.

The players say their fight for recognition on the world stage goes beyond cricket. They hope their story will also send a message of hope to the women and girls back home.

"I just want to tell them that every shot and every wicket is for you. We play for your voice and we play for your freedom," Afghan said.