The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and MCC Foundation have launched the Global Refugee Cricket Fund, an initiative designed to support displaced cricketers worldwide. This program will provide funding, training, and career opportunities for refugees, with the Afghan Women’s Cricket Team as its first beneficiaries.

A Lifeline for Afghan Women Cricketers

Following the ban on women’s cricket in Afghanistan, many female players were forced to flee their home country. The Pitch Our Future initiative, supported by this fund, will provide safe training facilities, educational support, and career pathways for these athletes, helping them rebuild their futures in Australia, Canada, and the UK.

Key Objectives of the Fund

The Global Refugee Cricket Fund is focused on:
✔ Empowering Refugees Through Cricket – Using sport as a tool for inclusion and growth.
✔ Supporting Women in Sport – Providing opportunities for women facing discrimination.
✔ Raising Global Awareness – Advocating for equality and the role of sports in rebuilding lives.

To achieve these goals, the initiative will:
➡ Provide Training Facilities – Safe and structured environments for development.
➡ Offer Education & Mentorship – Scholarships and career guidance.
➡ Promote Advocacy & High-Performance Support – Championing women’s cricket globally.

A Collaborative Effort for Change

With an initial £100,000 donation from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the fund is targeting £1 million in contributions from corporate sponsors, cricket boards, and individual donors. A Steering Committee including representatives from MCC, ECB, and refugee organizations will oversee its operations. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has also been invited to participate.

Cricketing Leaders Speak Out

Rob Lynch, MCC Interim CEO, emphasized the initiative’s impact:

“Cricket has the power to inspire and unite. Through this fund, we aim to bring hope and opportunity to displaced players worldwide.”

Dr. Sarah Fane, MCC Foundation Director, highlighted the importance of supporting Afghan women cricketers:

“These athletes have shown remarkable resilience. Our mission is to ensure they can continue to thrive in cricket.”

Clare Connor, ECB Deputy CEO, urged the cricketing community to take action:

“The cricket world must stand with Afghan women and ensure that cricket remains a sport for everyone.”

How to Support

The MCC Foundation is encouraging donations to help fund training, education, and advocacy efforts. Contributions can be made online, directly supporting programs like Pitch Our Future.

With this initiative, cricket is proving its power to uplift, empower, and rebuild lives—one opportunity at a time.

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