A woman who grew up in Pakistan and founded the first Afghan women’s cricket team in Kabul in 2009.
Despite the hardships and obstacles in the war-torn country, Diana Barakzai never gave up and transformed her dream of bringing women onto the playing field into reality.
Today, Diana supports the Afghan Women’s Cricket Team in exile in Melbourne, Australia, showcasing the passion, determination, and love for the game among Afghan women to the world.
As the founder of Afghanistan’s first women’s cricket program nearly 20 years ago, she described this event as “an amazing moment” and believes it carries a powerful message for the world.
Diana Barakzai’s story and that of her team is one of hope and perseverance that knows no borders. She has now become a beacon of light for Afghan female players and, despite all challenges, continues to fight for Afghan women’s rights in sports and education.
