Refugee Cricketer's Message to Iranian Footballers

0:00From the streets of Sydney to the world, this is Sydney News Today. Faruza Amiri, a 22-year-old opening batter for the Afghan women's cricket team, knows the pain of fleeing a war-torn homeland all too well. She escaped the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan back in 2021 at just 18, along with most of her teammates. Now living in Australia, she's closely following the story of six Iranian women's football players who just got granted asylum there while the rest of. Her team decides what to do next. Born in Iran, Amiri still has family there facing heavy attacks from US and Israeli forces. She left Afghanistan with her parents in siblings, but understands the heartbreak of leaving loved ones behind. Those early days in Australia were tough with our friends, English skills, or a chance to continue her education right away. Amiri feels deep sympathy for the footballers, comparing it to saying goodbye to your mom forever. As someone with Iranian roots and refugee experience, she wants to reassure them that no athlete

1:00leaves home lightly. She's glad they chose Australia, calling it a safe place with a bright future ahead. Local Iranian community members, professional footballers Australia, and the Brisbane Roar Club are stepping up to help the players settle in. Queensland, they have access to top-notch training facilities too. Amiri credits cricket for helping her connect with people and find belonging when she felt alone. Fort remains her anchor, so her advice to the footballers is simple, head to a soccer field whenever homesickness hits as it reminds you who you are. Now studying journalism and politics while advocating for women's rights, Amiri hopes to meet the players soon and share her story. This episode is supported by our sponsor. Lay back, press play, let the pillow do the rest, sound meets comfort, S-O-L-I, S-O-L-I-P-L-O dot com.