Sourav Ganguly, former captain of the Indian cricket team, has been reappointed as the Chairperson of the International Cricket Council’s Men’s Cricket Committee. Ganguly, who took over the post in 2021 after Anil Kumble served his maximum term, will now continue to lead at the world level. His reappointment demonstrates the ICC’s confidence in his vision and cricketing expertise.
VVS Laxman, like Ganguly, has been re-elected to the committee. The updated panel now includes:
- Hamid Hassan (former Afghanistan cricketer)
- Desmond Haynes (West Indies legend)
- Temba Bavuma (South Africa’s current Test and ODI captain)
- Jonathan Trott (head coach of Afghanistan)
ICC Forms Task Force for Displaced Afghan Women Cricketers
In an essential step toward inclusiveness and global support, the International Cricket Council has announced the formation of a dedicated task force to assist displaced Afghan women players. Since the Taliban reclaimed power in Afghanistan in 2021, women have been banned from participating in sports, including cricket.
Responding to the ongoing issue, ICC Chairman Jay Shah announced that the governing body has formed a partnership with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and Cricket Australia (CA) to provide immediate assistance.
The purpose is to help Afghan women cricketers, most of whom now live outside their home country, especially in Australia, continue playing and building their cricket careers.
Before the Taliban takeover, the Afghanistan Cricket Board had signed contracts with 25 female cricketers. However, their careers have been put on hold due to political limitations in their home country.
SUGGESTED READ: Glenn Phillips Ruled Out: What It Means for Gujarat
Financial Aid and High-Performance Program for Afghan Women
The ICC has established a support fund for Afghan women cricketers to provide them with both professional and personal assistance. This fund will provide direct financial aid to these players, allowing them to meet their necessities while also focusing on their athletic growth.
In addition to financial aid, a thorough high-performance program will be implemented. This includes:
- Elite coaching sessions.
- World-class training facilities.
- Mentorship tailored to individual needs
- Personal and professional development possibilities
According to Jay Shah, this program not only empowers displaced women athletes but also supports the ICC’s aim of global cricket development through unity and inclusivity.
“We are proud to launch this task force and support fund to ensure that displaced Afghan women cricketers can continue their journey in the sport,” Jay Shah said in an official release.
Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch has maintained pressure on the International Cricket Council, pressing it to suspend Afghanistan from international cricket.
The group highlighted the Taliban’s stringent prohibitions on women’s education and sports as the primary basis for their demand. An official correspondence to Jay Shah underscored the necessity of rapid action to maintain gender equality in international cricket.
Although the ICC has not yet suspended Afghanistan, this new initiative is a proactive approach toward addressing the issue by supporting the athletes without punishing the players who currently represent the country in men’s cricket.
ICC Women’s Cricket Committee Also Gets New Appointments
Along with updates on the men’s committee, the ICC announced new appointments to the Women’s Cricket Committee. Catherine Campbell, a former New Zealand off-spinner, has been reappointed as Chairperson. The panel includes Avril Fahey, a former Australian player. Pholetsi Moseki represents Cricket South Africa.
This broad mix of leadership ensures that women’s cricket continues to thrive, with strong voices and representation from all regions.
The Future of Afghan Women’s Cricket: What’s Next?
Afghan women’s cricket is at a critical juncture, with ongoing challenges due to the Taliban’s ban on women in sports, forcing many cricketers into exile, particularly in Australia. Despite the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s lack of engagement and the Taliban’s refusal to recognize women in sports, international support has emerged.
In April 2025, the International Cricket Council (ICC) launched an initiative to provide financial aid, coaching, and mentorship for exiled players, helping them continue their cricket careers. While the exiled team can’t officially represent Afghanistan, they remain a symbol of hope and resilience.
The future of Afghan women’s cricket is focused on continued international play, advocacy for recognition, and broader efforts to support displaced women athletes globally.
YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED: PCB Loses 85% Revenue After INR 869 Cr Champions Trophy
