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The exiled cricketers will feature in a historic exhibition match against Cricket Without Borders (CWOB) at Junction Oval in Melbourne on January 30, before the Women’s Ashes day-night Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Since the Taliban regained power in 2021, women’s rights have rapidly deteriorated and they continue to face unprecedented devastation, including being unable to play sports, go to universities, or – more frighteningly – not being allowed to speak too loudly from within their own homes.
“This match has so much more importance than ever,” says Chelsea Moscript, a cricketer for Australian Capital Territory who is coaching the Afghan women ahead of their fixture.
“These girls have gone through so much already in their lives from fleeing Afghanistan and becoming refugees in Australia and despite it all, they’ve continued to play cricket.
“For them to get an opportunity to go out there and play together as a team is something I know they’re also excited about and who knows when that next chance may be?
“They’re making history and it’s a really exciting time for them.”
It is fitting too that CWOB, founded by Clare Cannon in 2011, were asked by Cricket Australia to play the Afghanistan team given their philosophy being rooted in ‘being bold, showing sportsmanship, having fun and making friends’.
“Empowering young women has always been what CWOB is about, so playing the Afghan women is a perfect fit, and a great honour for us,” Cannon said.
“We hope this first step is the beginning of a long journey for the Afghan Women’s XI.”
Coaching the …
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