Afghan Refugee women's cricket team in poignant fixtures against British military

Five years ago, this incredible group of women experienced the unimaginable.

When Kabul fell with the return of the Taliban on 15 August 2021, the world changed for all Afghan women and girls.

And, amongst a host of other rights that were stripped away, their access to sport was denied.

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Twenty-three young female cricket players, contracted by the Afghanistan Cricket Board, were forced to flee their country.

But, with the help and support of a global community of volunteers, The Afghan Refugee Women's Cricket Team was born.

As part of their tour to the UK this summer, they invited two military sides to play against them.

Tooba Khan Sarwari is a medium fast bowler for the Afghan Refugee Women's team. 

She said: "It was such an honour to play them and they are a really good team, and also our team did a very good job. It was such an honour for all of us to have this opportunity to play with different teams.

"We can, from this way, improve our cricketing skills and we can like show for the world that yes, we have this capability to play in this ground with such a beautiful team."

In the stunning setting of Fenner's, the University of Cambridge's cricket ground, and on a classic British summer's day in late June, the side from Afghanistan won the toss and elected to field.

Their decision was justified when they struck in the first over – Ellie Stanley caught leg before wicket off the bowling of Friba Hotak, with the third ball of the innings.

But the UK Armed Forces batters soon steadied the ship – a solid 51 from Lois Thornton the highlight of their twenty overs finishing on 149 for 7.

In reply, the visitors lost early wickets and never really found their rhythm as the military bowlers kept up the pressure.

Team captain Connie Cant bagged herself a hat trick as the Afghan Refugee Women's Team were skittled 97 for 9 – UKAF winning the game by 52 runs.

As significant as this match was for the touring team, it also holds a huge amount of meaning for the British military side, especially for those who were deployed on Op Herrick tours.

Flight Sergeant Lucy Farmer served there in 2009 and 2013.

She said: "I think it's awesome that the girls have got this team together and they've had the chance to come to the UK and play during the T20 World Cup, what a better time to do it.

"To come and play some teams in the UK and to get better and hopefully, one day, get themselves to a World Cup, whether it be T20 or one-day, I think it's absolutely fantastic and I loved playing with them today they were a loud bunch, I'll give them that."

Captain Connie Cant is too young to have experienced a tour of Afghanistan but the significance isn't lost on her either

"I don't think you need to be in the military to understand the impressive nature of this tour and what these girls are doing, how important it is just for women's sport, women's rights and everything they stand for, so it's really great to be part of it, to have been able to play against them," she said.

"It was really a privilege."

These courageous Afghan women's voices are now being heard and their stories told  and they are keeping their cricket ambitions burning bright.

When asked where she sees this team in five to ten years time, Tooba Khan Sarwari said: "I think we will play at an international ground."

As well as games against the MCC and Cambridge University this tour also included a match against the British Army, with the military side recording a narrow five run victory.

But as we approach the fifth anniversary of the Fall of Kabul when many lives were changed forever, it really isn't about the results or the cricket, it's about the strength and solidarity of a sporting community to change those lives again, for the better.