The International Cricket Council (ICC) will hold its annual conference next month, with one of the key topics on the agenda being the future funding of Afghanistan's women's refugee cricket team. The team, which was formed after the Taliban's return to power in 2021, has been touring England for developmental T20 matches this summer.
However, their funding from the ICC and other cricket boards ends in August, leaving the team's future uncertain. In a statement, the ICC confirmed that the conference will discuss 'a sustainable model' for the team's funding.
The team has been on tour in England since January 2025 and recently competed in India during the 50-over World Cup last year. The players have expressed their desire to be recognised for international competition, but this has yet to be agreed upon by the ICC or other cricket authorities.
Clare Connor, managing director of women's cricket and deputy chief executive at the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), recently stated that it would be an 'abdication of responsibility' if the ICC does not consider a sustainable model for the team's future funding.