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Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and the MCC Foundation are proud to announce the establishment of the Global Refugee Cricket Fund, an ambitious initiative to expand the work being undertaken by the Foundation to support refugees worldwide. Building on the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to using cricket as a tool for unity, empowerment, and opportunity, this fund will enhance ongoing efforts to assist displaced communities, including Afghan refugees, and introduce new avenues of support across the globe.
The campaign’s initial focus will be to raise funds for Project Inspire [NAME TBC], an Australian-led program that empowers and supports Afghan women and girls, including the former Afghanistan Women’s Cricket Team. Following the Taliban’s return to power, women’s cricket in Afghanistan was placed under severe threat, forcing the team to disband and flee to countries like Australia, Canada, and the UK. Project Inspire [NAME TBC] will be instrumental in providing these women with safe training facilities, educational opportunities, and pathways to continue their cricketing journeys.
The MCC Foundation has a rich history of leveraging cricket to bring hope and opportunity to vulnerable populations. Its work, with partners including Cricket Without Boundaries and Alsama, has spanned displaced communities in Afghanistan, Rwanda, Serbia, Lebanon, Italy, and the UK. With the Global Refugee Cricket Fund, the Foundation aims to amplify this impact, providing life-changing support to individuals who have been forced to flee their homes.
Objectives of the Global Refugee Cricket Fund:
- Empower Refugee Communities through Cricket: Harnessing cricket as a means of inclusion and personal development.
- Support Women in Cricket Worldwide: Enabling access to the sport for women who face significant barriers.
- Promote Global Awareness and Advocacy: Amplifying voices to champion equality and the importance of sports in rebuilding lives.
Through this initiative, the fund will:
- Provide Access to Facilities: Ensuring Afghan women cricketers can train, play, and develop their skills in secure environments.
- Offer Education and Mentorship: Facilitating scholarships and guidance to build sustainable futures beyond cricket.
- Promote Advocacy and Awareness: Highlighting the critical role of women in sports and advocating for global equality.
- Build Strong High-Performance and Community Programs: Supporting players, coaches, and administrators to develop their skills, education, and professional careers.
To ensure a structured and sustainable approach, a Steering Committee/Advisory Board will be established, including representatives from the MCC Foundation, MCC, ECB, Project Inspire [NAME TBC], refugee organisations, and community leaders such as Afghan women’s advocates. The ICC is also invited to participate in this effort.
The initiative aims to raise an initial £1 million to support the first three years of operation. Funding sources will include contributions from ECB, MCC, corporate sponsorships, government grants, other international cricket boards, and individual donations.
“The Global Refugee Cricket Fund represents a vital step forward in our mission to use cricket as a force for good. Cricket has the power to inspire, unite, and empower, and through this initiative, we aim to bring hope and opportunity to those who need it most. We are proud to build on the MCC Foundation’s incredible legacy and extend our support to displaced communities worldwide.”
Rob Lynch, Chief Executive and Secretary of MCC
“Through the Global Refugee Cricket Fund, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting refugees, particularly Afghan women cricketers, who have shown remarkable resilience in the face of unimaginable challenges. With Project Inspire [NAME TBC] leading the way in Australia, we hope to amplify their efforts and inspire the global cricketing community to join us in making a difference.”
Dr. Sarah Fane, Director of the MCC Foundation
Project Inspire [NAME TBC] has played a pivotal role in supporting the former Afghanistan Women’s Cricket Team since their displacement in 2021. By providing safe training facilities, education, and pathways for development, the initiative has become a beacon of hope for these women. The MCC and MCC Foundation commend their unwavering dedication and look forward to collaborating to expand this critical work.
The MCC Foundation invites the global cricketing community, corporate partners, and individuals to join this transformative campaign. Together, we can harness the power of cricket to rebuild lives, foster inclusion, and promote equality on a global scale.
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If you are considering a large donation, want more information or for alternative ways to donate, please contact us at philanthropy@mccfoundation.org.uk
The Fund is not currently accepting unsolicited applications of support at this time.