The Marylebone Cricket Club Foundation (MCC Foundation) said in a statement that the Afghan Women’s Team will become the first recipients of support from the new Global Refugee Cricket Fund.
Marylebone Cricket Club and MCC Foundation launched Global Refugee Cricket Fund in support of displaced people.
Following the political changes in 2021 and the restrictions imposed on women’s sports in Afghanistan, many female athletes, including members of the Afghan women’s national cricket team, were forced to leave the country.
Despite significant efforts, these players did not receive official international support in the cricket world.
Now, the Marylebone Cricket Club, as one of the influential institutions in sport, has launched this fund to provide training, educational, and professional development opportunities for these players.
“Cricket has the power to inspire, unite, and empower, and through this initiative, we aim to bring hope and opportunity to those who need it most,” stated Rob Lynch, Interim Chief Executive and Secretary of MCC.
Marylebone Cricket Club has emphasized that in its initial phase, the fund will focus on raising financial support to establish safe training facilities, educational opportunities, and professional development pathways for players.
According to Marylebone Cricket Club, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has also contributed £100,000 to the fund to accelerate the launch of this program.
Clare Connor, Deputy Chief Executive of the ECB, stated: “The cricket community must take action, to support the brave Afghan women, and to give hope that cricket can be a sport for any woman or girl. We hope the launch of the Fund will inspire other cricketing organizations to support this cause, and to unlock cricket’s power to unite communities around the globe.”
The establishment of the Global Cricket Fund for Refugees is a significant step in supporting the Afghan women’s cricket team and other refugees. This initiative not only provides players with the opportunity to continue their training and professional development but also serves as a model for other sports organizations worldwide to use sports as a tool for refugee support and empowerment.