Afghanistan Women's Cricket Team Reunites for Historic Match in Melbourne

The Afghanistan Women's XI will reunite after three years for an exhibition match against Cricket Without Borders XI in Melbourne, symbolizing hope for millions of Afghan women denied their rights since the Taliban's takeover in 2021. The match brings together players previously contracted by the Afghanistan Cricket Board, now based in Australia after fleeing their home country. Team captain Nahida Sapan and Firooza Amiri expressed gratitude for the support received from the Australian government and Cricket Australia, highlighting the match as a historic moment that could open doors for women's education and sports in Afghanistan. Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley commended the players' resilience and emphasized the significance of the event in advocating for change in women's cricket. The match serves as a reminder of the ongoing global struggle for women's rights, particularly in oppressive regimes. This reunion marks a pivotal step in building a movement for Afghan women's empowerment through sports.