In a massive step towards their commitment to utilizing cricket as a tool for ensuring unity, empowerment and opportunity, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and Foundation, has announced the establishment of the Global Refugee Cricket Fund, an initiative to support refugees from all over the world.
The Director of the MCC Foundation, Dr. Sarah Fane spoke about the commitment and the efforts taken to make the lives of the refugees for instance the Afghan Women’s cricket team, while also calling out for support from the global cricket community.
He said, “Through the Global Refugee Cricket Fund, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting refugees, particularly Afghan women cricketers, who have shown remarkable resilience in the face of unimaginable challenges. With Pitch Our Future leading the way in Australia, we hope to amplify their efforts and inspire the global cricketing community to join us in making a difference.”
A Global Refugee Cricket Fund is established to avail various opportunities and to bring a ray of hope to improve the lives of deprived communities of the likes the Afghanistan women’s cricket team from Afghanistan and many such communities in Rwanda, Serbia, Lebanon, Italy, and the UK and unlock various resources for them from the amount of funds collected by the foundation and the club.
The Afghanistan women’s team, who are currently battling to make their existence felt in the cricket fraternity, will be the first recipients of the newly established Global Refugee Cricket Fund.
In August 2021, the Taliban’s take-over of Afghanistan ushered in a grim reality for countless women, stripping away their rights and freedoms. Against this backdrop, the Afghanistan women’s cricket team, which was established in 2010 and received its first central contracts in November 2020, found itself in dire straits.
These contracts, awarded to 25 players, were a hopeful step towards building a competitive team for international tournaments. However, following the Taliban’s attack, the team fled to Pakistan in search of safety, eventually securing emergency visas to resettle in Australia.
It is an Australian initiative led by the former Australian batter Melanie (Mel) Jones which is a fundraising campaign to provide opportunities for these women. It primarily focuses on supporting the Afghanistan women’s cricket team who were forced to flee their country, aiming to raise funds to cover their sporting, mental health, and educational needs so they can continue to compete as a team.
The fund seeks to empower refugee communities through cricket, promote women’s participation in the sport, and enhance global awareness regarding equality and the role of sports in rebuilding lives.
The initiative involves collaboration with various partners, including the ECB, corporate sponsors, and refugee organizations, aiming to raise an initial £1 million for these crucial initiatives.
What once promised a brighter future for these athletes has turned into a struggle for survival. Yet, in their new homes of Melbourne and Canberra, the players have been diligently training, holding onto their dreams and aspirations, and continuing to inspire resilience and hope amid adversity. The fund highlights the remarkable strength of Afghanistan women cricketers and aims to use cricket as a platform for transformation and inclusivity worldwide.
(Quote sourced from MCC Press Release)
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