Afghan Women Cricketers Hold On to Their Dreams Despite Adversities

It is a tale of hope courage and determination to go on, even when all hope seems lost. When the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan these 25 contracted women cricketers had to flee their country and become refugees. Fleeing was not an option but a painful requirement. They had to leave their families and homes behind but never their hopes of representing Afghanistan at the international stage playing cricket. They are still attached to their country in their hearts even in exile and the love for cricket is as much as ever.

There was some hope recently when the International Cricket Council (ICC) created a special task force to assist Afghan displaced women cricketers. This made them feel a new level of encouragement. The task force consists of voices from the players themselves and Pitch Our Future — an association that has been with these women right from the start. This organization helps raise awareness and offer assistance in the way of coaching facilities equipment and lessons. It also gives others around the world the ability to watch them go and help make their dreams come true.

Pitch Our Future is not just a platform. It is a haven where the players' lives are told and their challenges understood. It bridges the players to the world and supports their education and training. The women are extremely grateful for all the assistance they have gained particularly from the Australian cricket community that assisted them in settling down and playing the game of their passion. The alliance between ICC and Pitch Our Future offers these women hope that they will receive the resources required to develop and compete at the top levels once more.

For all these players, cricket is not only a game but also a reflection of their identity and power. After all the lovers' fear silence and uncertainty, they got a chance to shine when they played against Cricket without Borders in Australia early this year. Playing on the field in their Afghan colors brought pride and hope to them. It was a strong reminder that their spirit never breaks and that they take their country with them wherever they go. That game was not only for them but for all Afghan girls yearning for freedom and the freedom to play and learn.

The path of these women has not been easy and straightforward. It was never easy playing cricket in Afghanistan as a woman. They had to practice in secret under threats of criticism and cultural boundaries. But their passion for the game and belief in themselves did not let them down. Cricket provided meaning and aspiration of a good future. Though they lost their homes they never lost their hearts.

Now most of the women cricketers reside in Australia where they still play in domestic leagues. They remain in constant touch supporting one another and striving together to reform their team. Even though they haven't received a word from the Afghanistan Cricket Board since they left and question whether or not the board could accommodate them under present political conditions they believe that with international assistance they can continue to move forward.

The assistance of nations such as Australia and organizations such as the ICC and Pitch Our Future has been a savior. These organizations have provided the players with coaching and the opportunity to play domestically and remain engaged in cricket. The women are prepared and eager to play in international competitions such as the LA Olympics if the opportunity is available.

In spite of the disillusionment and struggles brought about by exile these women are converting their agony into resolve. They wish to improve as cricketers and prove to the world that Afghan girls have a right to be in sport. Their quest is one not merely for cricket but of resilience hope and struggle for women's rights anywhere.

They never wanted to leave home but now away from home they keep their dreams alive. With the help of the cricket community and organizations that believe in them these Afghan women cricketers are penning a tale of courage and hope which will inspire many for years to come.