Afghan Women's Refugee Cricket Team Plays Matches in Cambridge

The Afghan women's cricket team operating in exile played matches at Cambridge University's Fenner's ground in England. The team formed after the Taliban banned women's sports nearly five years ago. Most of the players now live in Australia following their departure from Afghanistan, during which they hid and destroyed their equipment.

The matches occurred as part of competitions in England. University officials, activists, and players have described the event as a symbol of global solidarity, hope, resilience, and a means to amplify the voices of Afghan girls while preserving their identity. Activists have referred to the team as a voice for millions of women deprived under Taliban rule.

Reports specify that the team competed as Eleven Afghan Women in T20 matches against the British Armed Forces and Cambridge University teams. They lost one game by 52 runs. The players also met with King Charles III at Clarence House.

The participation is viewed as historic by some observers, coming after years of restrictions that prevented women from playing sports in Afghanistan.