Exiled but Unstoppable: Afghanistan Women’s Refugee Team Set for Historic England Tour

The exiled Afghanistan women's cricket team will embark on a landmark tour of England next month following confirmation from the England and Wales Cricket Board. The tour is a major show of support for players forced to flee their country following the return to power of the Taliban in 2021.

Starting on June 22, the tour will consist of a series of T20 matches along with high-performance training sessions and a range of special events. The ECB stated that the programme was being arranged in collaboration with Marylebone Cricket Club and the MCC Foundation.

While in England the players will attend the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Final at Lord's Cricket Ground.

A majority of the players touring England previously played in official women's cricket structures in Afghanistan before political events meant women were denied participation in sport and in public.

Afghanistan Women Cricketers Forced into Exile

Following the Taliban regime's takeover of Afghanistan in 2021 women athletes in Afghanistan were placed under severe restrictions, and a number of players were forced to flee the country for their safety.

Roughly 20 contracted Afghanistan women cricketers later sought asylum in Australia following their escape from Afghanistan. Away from home the players managed to remain connected with the sport of cricket and participated in various events over the past two years.

Earlier this year in January the refugee side played a match against a Cricket Without Borders XI in Melbourne at the Junction Oval. The players were also spectators at a Women's World Cup match in Guwahati between India and Sri Lanka that same month.

This tour to England represents another opportunity for players to maintain their progress within cricket.

ECB Emphasizes the Significance of Inclusion

Deputy CEO of ECB and Managing Director of England Women, Clare Connor, said the board wanted to provide support for the players and allow them to continue to engage with cricket regardless of their current difficult situation.

In a press release, Connor said:

"Since being displaced from Afghanistan in 2021, these players have shown extraordinary resilience in continuing their cricket journeys, in incredibly challenging circumstances. We have worked with It’s Game On to build an itinerary and a set of experiences that we hope will be enjoyable and memorable."

She added:

"We are also delighted that the squad will attend the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. Cricket has a responsibility to stand for inclusion and opportunity, and we are proud to be hosting this tour and supporting the players in deepening their connection to the game."

The tour of England is considered a milestone in the history of women's cricket and also serves as a huge vote of confidence and support for Afghan women athletes living outside the country.