Cricketer, 24, from Botswana is sent home from Australia after being denied a visa because she was deemed a ‘flight risk’
- Shameelah Mosweu, 24, was deemed a ‘flight risk’ and denied an Australian visa
- The cricketer was set to play in a women’s T20 match in Bowral on Saturday
- Gender equality organisation FairBreak slammed the rejection as ‘absurd’
- The FairBreak founder said it directly goes against the Australian ‘fair go for all’
- Now studying in England, Mosweu had ‘limited opportunities’ in Botswana
A young Botswanan cricketer has been deemed a ‘flight risk’ and denied entry into Australia to play in an international T20 match.
Shameelah Mosweu, 24, was set to play in the FairBreak Global XI against the Bradman Women’s XI in Bowral in the New South Wales Southern Highlands on Saturday.
Gender equality organisation FairBreak announced that Mosweu’s visa application had been rejected on Monday.
In a statement, FairBreak Founder Shaun Martyn said: ‘The denial of this opportunity goes against everything that Australia aspires to in proclaiming a ‘fair go’ for all.’
Botswanan cricketer Shameelah Mosweu, 24, was set to play in women’s T20 match in the Bowral on Saturday. Gender equality organisation FairBreak announced that Mosweu’s visa application had been rejected on Monday
Mr Martyn said Australia government officials and Botswanan High Commission representatives had advocated on Mosweu’s behalf to no avail.
The FairBreak founder slammed the ‘absurd’ decision to ban the young cricketer.
‘Shameelah has been denied that opportunity as she is deemed a flight risk,’ Mr Martyn said.
‘Shameelah is a University student in England sponsored by her Government and the Botswanan Sports Commission. It is absurd she is being considered a security risk.’
Mr Martyn said ‘Shameelah’s absence will be greatly missed’ in the FairBreak Global XI’, which is made up of 12 female players from nine different countries.
‘Shameelah is a great example for the young men and women of Botswana and every country where opportunities to perform on a world stage are limited,’ Mr Martyn said.
‘She deserves, as does everyone, the right to accept opportunities to showcase talent and continue to grow as a person and inspire.’
FairBreak Founder Shaun Martyn slammed the ‘absurd’ decision to prevent Mosweu’ from entering Australia. ‘The denial of this opportunity goes against everything that Australia aspires to in proclaiming a ‘fair go’ for all,’ he said
Mosweu (right) with two other cricketers from the FairBreak program in England last year. The young cricketer is a university student in England sponsored by her Government and the Botswanan Sports Commission
An international player, Mosweu first took part in the FairBreak cricket program in England last year.
‘Shameelah impressed everyone with the quality of her play, and her commitment to her teammates and the broader FairBreak agenda,’ Mr Martyn said
‘It was with great enthusiasm and pleasure that we invited her to be part of our program in Australia from February 17-23, 2020.’
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is running from February 21 to March 8, which would have given Mosweu the opportunity to watch games and meet other players.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Department of Home Affairs for comment.
Mosweu is pictured with former Pakistan captain Sana Mir. She was set to play with Mir in the FairBreak Global XI, which is made up of 12 female players from nine different countries