From Islamabad to Kabul and then Melbourne: The inspiring journey of the founder of Afghan women's cricket

ایس بی ایس اردو

Diana Barakzai is the founder of the women's program in Afghanistan in 2009 Credit: supplied by Diana Barakzai

Meet Diana Barakzai — the courageous Afghan 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 did not give up and her dream of bringing women onto the playing field became a reality.

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Published 27 June 2025 2:50pm

By Shadi Khan Saif

Presented by Shadi Khan Saif

Source: SBS

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Meet Diana Barakzai — the courageous Afghan 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 did not give up and her dream of bringing women onto the playing field became a reality.

Today, Diana is supporting the Afghan Women's Cricket Team in exile in Melbourne, Australia, to showcase the passion, determination and love of the game of Afghan women to the world. This is a story of determination that knows no borders. Join us and learn how Diana Barakzai is becoming a beacon of light for Afghan female players.

Afghanistan women cricket team in Australia — Australian Governer-General Sam Mostyn takes selfie with Afghanistan women cricket team

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___________Listen Wednesday or Friday program at this link. SBS Urdu is on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Our SBS Audio app is available for Apple and Android devices. Listen on Spotify Podcast or Apple Podcast.

Listen Wednesday or Friday program at this link. SBS Urdu is on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Our SBS Audio app is available for Apple and Android devices. Listen on Spotify Podcast or Apple Podcast.