In a powerful moment for sports and solidarity, the Afghanistan women’s cricket team will compete in a T20 exhibition match against the Cricket Without Borders XI at Melbourne’s Junction Oval on January 30. This will be the first time the team has come together to play since fleeing Afghanistan in 2021, when the Taliban assumed control and banned women from participating in sports. This historic event also aligns with the opening day of the Women’s Ashes Test at the MCG, underscoring the importance of empowering women in cricket.

Support and resilience amidst refuge

The Afghan women cricketers have been living in refuge in Canberra and Melbourne, where they’ve found solidarity and support from the Australian government and local cricket organizations. Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley remarked on the efforts that have come together to make this match possible, stating, “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.”

The exhibition match represents more than a game; it serves as a beacon of hope for Afghan women and girls back home, where sports opportunities remain restricted. The event showcases the commitment to women’s cricket and the team’s perseverance in maintaining their ambitions, despite the challenges they faced under the Taliban’s rule.

The fight for representation and recognition

Earlier this year, a group of 17 previously contracted Afghan players had appealed to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to help set up a refugee team in Australia. In a letter to the ICC, they voiced their desire to compete at the highest level, much like the Afghanistan men’s team. “Our goals in having a refugee team are to develop and showcase our talent, give hope to the women remaining in Afghanistan, and to draw attention to the challenges Afghan women face,” they wrote. Their plea highlighted their dreams to "recruit and train girls and women who love cricket, to show the world the talent of Afghan women."

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ICC Chief Geoff Aldrice had acknowledged the challenges for the Afghanistan Cricket Board in developing a women’s team under the current government in Afghanistan. He expressed optimism about the exhibition match, noting that the team’s resilience and ambition would be on display for the world.

As Afghan women cricketers prepare to step onto the field once more, their journey stands as an inspiring testament to resilience, determination, and the unyielding spirit of sportswomen who are unwilling to give up on their dreams. This landmark game promises to be a powerful addition to the day-night Women's Ashes Test events, highlighting a cause that transcends borders and barriers, fostering hope for a brighter future for Afghan women in sports.

Australia are hosting their first T20 World Cup. They have a wonderful set of grounds, and some of them are among the most aesthetically pleasing in the World. With big boundaries, and interesting characteristics, each ground has its own variety to offer.

Melbourne Cricket Ground

The MCG has seven matches in the main draw of the T20 World Cup. It is also hosting the Finals, and is known for its huge boundaries and the ability to hold a crowd of over a 100000 people. While the boundaries are among the biggest in Australia, Melbourne is also seen as one of the best batting tracks in the country. It has a very fast outfield, and a flat pitch. With an average run-rate of 8.30, Melbourne is easily the best for batting.

The straight boundaries are a touch shorter, and running between the wickets plays a big role with big gaps on offer at the boundaries. For spinners, the boundary size is encouraging as it allows them to flight the ball more, helping them extract spin better. With a few days to go, Melbourne will be in full tilt on the 23rd as it hosts marquee event with India taking on Pakistan.

Sydney Cricket Ground

The Sydney Cricket Ground is another one with really big boundaries. Batting here is pretty good as well, but the pitch is a bit drier than what may be found in Melbourne. Historically, Sydney is known to help spinners a little more while. Fast bowlers too get some help with the new-ball, indicating that Sydney is a good ground for bowlers, and should give an even contest between bat and ball.

Adelaide Oval

Adelaide’s straight boundary is probably the biggest in Australia. The numbers for spinners are not so great but are also not too bad. Ideally, it is a good ground for batters, and with short square boundaries, spinners are often forced to bowl fuller and do not get to be as flexible, unless they are really brave. Games in Adelaide are generally high-scoring, despite overall numbers not suggesting so.

Perth Stadium

The new stadium at Perth has not hosted much international cricket with Covid restricting border movement. Overall, six T20Is have taken place int he stadium. While the boundaries are pretty big, the nature of the pitch remains a question. Over time, there has been bounce, pace and turn seen on the track. The square boundaries are big, helping bowlers bowl short, and again letting spinners experiment a little more. Pace on the track does help the batters too. While the pitch is not as fast as the old WACA track, there is still quite a bit of life in the track. With a fast outfield as well, there is a lot of value for shots played.

The Gabba, Brisbane Cricket Ground

The Gabba is one of Australia’s most famous grounds traditionally and is known for having one of the fastest pitches in the World. Scoring at the Gabba in T20 Cricket is a little tougher when compared to other Australian grounds. There boundary percentage is quite low with long square boundaries. Running between the wickets though is pretty important, and that is a reason why the overall run-rate is pretty good at the Gabba. While the Gabba is one of the fastest tracks, pace in T20 Cricket is easier to play than spin while playing there. Batting overall is easy, but running between the wickets is an important factor.

Bellerive Oval, Hobart

Hobart has nine games in the T20 World Cup. It is a minefield for wrist-spinners, who absolutely struggle there. The boundaries are very small, and with a breeze constantly flowing through the ground, run scoring is very easy, when compared to other Australian grounds.

Simonds Stadium, Geelong

Geelong has not hosted much international cricket in recent years. It is the main ground though for the upcoming T20 World Cup’s first round. Like Hobart, the boundaries are small and there are some strange dimensions throughout the ground.