King Charles Meets Exiled Afghan Women's Cricket Team as Taliban Ban Blocks 2026 World Cup
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jun 24
King Charles Meets Exiled Afghan Women's Cricket Team as Taliban Ban Blocks 2026 World Cup
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jun 24
Summary
Clarence House hosted King Charles and the exiled Afghan women’s cricket team, giving the players a public show of support as they visit England for exhibition matches.
Most of the squad fled Afghanistan after the Taliban’s 2021 return to power, and the ban on women’s sport means they cannot officially represent Afghanistan or play in this summer’s T20 World Cup.
Ekil Latifi, who left Afghanistan at 17 and has not seen her family for five years, said the team now speaks for women back home who are barred from sport, study and even going out freely.
The players told Charles about escaping Taliban checkpoints and pinned an Afghan Women’s XI badge on his suit, underscoring their push to rejoin official cricket under their own national flag.
With FIFA recognizing exiled Afghan footballers, will cricket's governing bodies now let the women's team play for their flag?
As Afghanistan faces collapse, are symbolic sports victories enough to bring real hope to women living under Taliban rule?
Exiled but Unbowed: The Afghan Refugee Women’s Cricket Team’s 2026 England Tour, Royal Support, and the Fight for ICC Recognition
Overview
In June 2026, the Afghan Refugee Women's Cricket Team began a landmark tour of England, hosted by the England and Wales Cricket Board. This tour was designed to offer enjoyable and memorable experiences, helping the players reconnect with cricket during a crucial time in their journey. The tour amplified their calls for international recognition and sustained support for women’s participation in sports. A highlight was their high-profile audience with King Charles III, where they shared their stories of escaping the Taliban and presented him with a hand-decorated cricket bat, symbolizing their gratitude and enduring passion for the game.