Cricket Australia (CA) has announced a partnership with UNICEF Australia to support the foundation’s “Until Every Girl Can Play” campaign, which promotes gender equality and aims to provide opportunities for girls around the world to participate in sports. The partnership is particularly focused on supporting Afghan women refugees, many of whom have found refuge in Australia following the Taliban’s return to power.
The announcement comes at a time when CA continues to withhold from scheduling any bilateral cricket series with Afghanistan’s men’s team, a stance rooted in the Taliban government’s restrictive policies on women’s rights. CA has canceled three bilateral series with Afghanistan in recent years, citing concerns over the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
While Australia has competed against Afghanistan in the last three ICC World Cup events, including the 2024 T20 World Cup, the future of any bilateral cricket between the two nations remains uncertain. According to the Future Tours Programme, Australia is scheduled to host Afghanistan in a men’s Test and three T20Is in July 2026. However, whether this series will go ahead is yet to be determined.
In addition to the partnership with UNICEF Australia, CA has committed to fundraising efforts in support of the campaign. Fundraisers will take place at the upcoming men’s Test in Perth and the women’s Ashes Test at the MCG in January. These events will help raise awareness and funds for gender equality initiatives, particularly for Afghan women and girls affected by the ongoing crisis in their home country.
Cricket Australia’s CEO, Nick Hockley, reiterated the organization’s commitment to supporting Afghan women cricketers, many of whom are now living and playing in Australia as refugees. Hockley confirmed that CA has been working closely with a group of female Afghan cricketers who have sought assistance in establishing a refugee cricket team, as the absence of a national team leaves them without competitive opportunities.
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“We’ve been supporting these players across all levels, from grassroots clubs to state associations, and we continue to explore ways to provide them with more opportunities,” Hockley said. “I’ve had the privilege of meeting with many of them, and we’re working behind the scenes to ensure they are supported.”
In response to questions about whether CA should reconsider playing Afghanistan’s men’s team in future global events, UNICEF Australia CEO Tony Stuart took a neutral stance. Stuart emphasized UNICEF’s impartial approach, stating, “We work with every country, and our focus is always on helping children. We encourage participation wherever possible, and I’m pleased to see so many Afghan women in Australia who are finding opportunities to participate in cricket.“
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Cricket Australia’s ongoing support for Afghan refugees, combined with its firm stance on not scheduling bilateral matches against Afghanistan’s men’s team, underscores the organization’s commitment to gender equality and human rights while navigating the complexities of international sports diplomacy.
