AFGHANISTAN’S refugee women’s team will tour England this summer.

The country’s contracted female players fled in 2021 after the Taliban returned to power in 2021 and set about a sweeping programme of gender discrimination, including a ban on women’s sport.

Many resettled in Australia, where they have resumed their sporting activities and continued to lobby for opportunities.

The England and Wales Cricket Board has now invited them to play a series of games in partnership with MCC, with high-quality training facilities made available to help with preparations. The squad will also be guests at the T20 World Cup final at Lord’s on July 5.

Clare Connor, deputy CEO at the ECB and managing director of England Women, said: “Cricket has a responsibility to stand for inclusion and opportunity, and we are proud to be hosting this tour and supporting the players in deepening their connection to the game.”

Mel Jones, the former Australian cricketer and advocate who was instrumental in relocating the refugee team, said: “This tour is a major step forward, but also highlights how much work remains.

“These players have shown extraordinary courage and commitment to the game, despite everything that has been taken from them. They deserve more opportunities like this; they deserve to be recognised as part of the global cricket community.

“Moments like this matter, but we need to see plans for sustained and meaningful action beyond this year.”