King Charles III of the United Kingdom met on Wednesday, 3 Saratan (June 23), with members of the Afghan refugee women’s cricket team at his residence, Clarence House in London. During the meeting, he welcomed the players and took part in a group photograph with the team.
Members of the Afghan refugee women’s cricket team presented the King with a handmade cricket bat decorated with Afghan cultural motifs and symbols, along with their official team uniform and emblem.
The team began its Twenty20 tour in the United Kingdom on Monday, 2 Saratan (June 22). The visit was organized at the invitation of the England and Wales Cricket Board and is intended to include exhibition matches and support for the players.
One of the team members, speaking to Afghanistan International, expressed her delight at meeting the King, saying that the program and meetings were a great honor and a valuable, memorable experience for the team members.
According to the announced schedule, the team will also participate in another program at the Australian Embassy during the next stage of its visit.
The Afghanistan women’s national cricket team was established in 2010 during the country’s republican era. Following the Taliban’s return to power, the team lost its official status as a national team. Most of its players left Afghanistan, with some now residing in Australia.
The players continue to advocate for the re-recognition of the Afghanistan women’s cricket team and remain active in this regard.
At present, women and girls in Afghanistan are barred from participating in sports and face widespread restrictions in education, employment, and public life.
Prior to ascending the throne, Charles III visited Afghanistan twice during his time as Prince of Wales. He visited Kabul and Helmand in 2010 and 2012, meeting with British forces stationed in the country.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
