Fabricating stories, burning jerseys and secret plans: The tale of Afghanistan women's arrival in Australia

Struggles of Afghanistan's women cricketers

The story of Afghanistan's women cricketers from their country to Australia is one of inherent bravery and love for the sport. With the Taliban taking over power in Afghanistan in 2021, the state of the nation's women went from bad to worse. The women with sporting ambitions were no exception.

A total of 19 contracted players were in danger of losing all they had, but thanks to the efforts of former Australian cricketer Mel Jones and other volunteers, the players, along with their coaches and families, were able to escape Afghanistan and rebuild their lives in Australia, where they continue to play the game they love.

Taliban's ban on women’s cricket

Following the Taliban takeover, women’s rights, including the right to play sports, were systematically pulled apart. The Afghanistan Cricket Board had signed 25 women cricketers under contract in 2020, and the team was on the brink of making its international debut. However, with the sudden ban, their dreams were crushed, and their lives were at risk.

Mel Jones’ orchaestrated their great escape

Jones took it upon herself to facilitate their run away. From her hotel room in Melbourne, she changed into an unofficial immigration officer, coordinating with Australian government officials to secure humanitarian visas for the players and their families.

“You don’t know who I am. But do you, and any of the players, think that your lives are in threat, and would you like to look at potentially getting out. The list of 19 Afghanistan contracted players soon grew to more than 135 with players’ family members as well coaches, administrators, members of Afghanistan Cricket Board in the mix. The list got very big, very quickly. The Australian Government said there’s not a chance that this will fly. But in the end, we got 130-plus out,” Jones told Fox Cricket about her message to Hashimi in 2021.

Risky breakout

The players had to destroy their cricket jerseys and equipment to avoid being caught. They traveled in small groups under made-up stories - such as visiting a sick relative - to make it past Taliban checkpoints. The journey from Afghanistan to Pakistan was executed in secrecy, with help from local volunteers and Australian officials.

"That was probably the most stressful part of it. The Taliban had taken over Kabul, but there were a lot of different militant groups that had power over sections all the way along the border as well. ISIS had a section. It was all done under secrecy. We had to do it at different times, all the families couldn’t just leave at once, because it looked too obvious, and then they had to find solid enough stories for when they got to the gate on why they were going to Pakistan. Then it was just drip-feeding them through the border,” Jones added.

Also Read: 'Please be the voice of the girls, start doing something for women' - Exiled Afghanistan women players to men's team

New beginning in Australia

Eventually, after months of careful movements, nine players reached Canberra in 2022, with the rest settling in Melbourne. However, the life in Australia has been challenging, with many still suffering from the horrors of their past. 

“Horrendous doesn’t cover it. You have nothing to live for. You can’t go to school, no education. There are decrees by the Taliban about not speaking to anyone outside your family. You can’t sing, you can’t read poetry, you can’t do anything. It’s getting worse. It’s a prison.” Jones further added.

Afghanistan's women cricketers rebuild their future

Meanwhile, the players have found opportunities to work and play cricket again. Some of them were be seen taking part in an exhibition match against Cricket Without Borders XI at Junction Oval.

“They’re loving the fact that they’re playing cricket, they’re loving the fact that they’ve got freedom to go out and express themselves. But there is still severe trauma for them. Physical health, mental, emotional, spiritual, financial, all those traumas. It’s been exceptionally hard.” concluded Jones.