The Afghanistan women's refugee cricket team will tour England from June 22 for T20 matches and training, aiming for international recognition. The tour carries significant cultural and sporting importance, according to the ECB, which has no current plans for England to play Afghanistan bilaterally.
FIFA has approved a landmark rule change allowing the Afghan women’s team, now competing as Afghan Women United, to return to international football despite being in exile since the Taliban takeover in 2021. The decision removes the need for approval from Afghanistan’s ruling federation, restoring their pathway to competition and marking a major step for displaced athletes in global sport.
FIFA Council has approved eligibility for Afghanistan's women's refugee football team (Afghan Women United) to compete in official international competitions without requiring recognition from the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan Football Federation. The decision was made in Vancouver on Tuesday, marking a significant development five years after national team players fled Taliban rule following their return to power in August 2021.
