Wed Jan 29 18:12:24 UTC 2025: ## Afghan Women Cricketers to Play First Match Since Taliban Takeover
**Melbourne, Australia** – In a landmark event, Afghanistan’s women cricketers will reunite on the field for their first match since the Taliban takeover in 2021. Twenty-one former members of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) women’s team, now living in exile in Australia, will compete in an exhibition T20 match against Cricket Without Borders (CWOB) in Melbourne.
The game marks a significant moment for the players, many of whom have faced threats and displacement since fleeing Afghanistan. For some, the match represents the realization of a long-held dream. “It’s really good that we’re opening the door, at least have a match that tells all the world around that we are here and we have Afghan women who are really interested in playing cricket,” said cricketer Benafsha Hashimi.
CWOB, an organization promoting women’s cricket globally, organized the match. Founder Clare Cannon emphasized the game’s significance as a first step in the players’ journey, selecting team members not only for cricketing skill but also for their alignment with CWOB’s values.
The match is deeply emotional for the players. Firooza Amiri, who fled to Australia via Pakistan, described the reunion as “very special” after three years of separation and loss. Nahida Sapan previously revealed her family received death threats after the Taliban takeover.
The match has also garnered support from prominent Afghan male cricketers, Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, who have publicly advocated for women’s education and rights in Afghanistan.
This exhibition match serves as a powerful symbol of resilience and hope for Afghanistan’s women cricketers, highlighting their continued passion for the sport and their determination to pursue their dreams despite immense challenges.
First Piper 