Afghanistan Women's XI To Play Historic Exhibition Match In Melbourne

Cricket Australia (CA) Chief Executive Nick Hockley has described the upcoming exhibition match featuring the Afghanistan Women's XI in Melbourne as a beacon of hope and a significant milestone in the team's journey back to international cricket. The Afghanistan Women's XI, composed of refugees who now reside in Australia, will play a T20 match against a Cricket Without Borders XI at the Junction Oval on Thursday morning. The game precedes the opening day of the day-night Women's Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

This marks the first time the Afghanistan Women's team has reunited since fleeing their home country following the Taliban's takeover. The players are now divided between Canberra and Melbourne, and the match represents a pivotal moment in their cricketing journey.

At a press conference on Monday at the Junction Oval, Hockley spoke alongside players Nahida Sapan and Firooza Amiri, with Sapan announced as captain for the match. Cricket Without Borders Chair Clare Cannon, Director Ken Jacobs, and Australia's Federal Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts were also in attendance, highlighting the collaborative efforts of Cricket Australia, Cricket Without Borders, and the Australian government in organising the event.

Hockley expressed optimism that this match would pave the way for future opportunities for the Afghanistan women's team. He also noted that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is eager to support their cause, with England captain Heather Knight having recently met the exiled Afghan players in Melbourne.

"I think this is a first step," Hockley said, as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

"We've got colleagues from the ECB coming out for the women's Ashes, and there are