Australian Cricket has come together to help fulfil the ambition of the members of the Afghanistan Women’s cricket team now resident in Australia to play together.
On the morning of 30th January, an Afghanistan Women’s XI will play a Cricket Without Borders XI in a T20 match at the Junction Oval, Melbourne.
This coincides with Day One of the CommBank Women’s Ashes Day/Night Test Match at the MCG and will be part of the celebration of women’s cricket and inclusion throughout that historic occasion.
The exhibition match will highlight the skill and resilience of the Afghanistan players and the efforts of those who have helped facilitate their inclusion in the community and the game in Australia.
This includes State and Territory Associations, Premier and Community Clubs and other groups and individuals who have aided their resettlement and provided opportunities to continue to play cricket in Australia.
The match has been organised in consultation with the Afghanistan women players based in Australia who will participate in the match and other stakeholders, including the Australian Government.
Nick Hockley, CA Chief Executive said:
“Many people across cricket and the community have come together to provide support for members of the Afghanistan women’s team since their relocation to Australia and this match will be a celebration of that work.
“I’m delighted that their ambition to play together will be achieved in this exhibition match which will be a wonderful addition to the many events around the Day/Night Women’s Ashes Test.”