England refuse boycott of Afghanistan in 2025 Champions Trophy

England are set to face Afghanistan in their group-stage fixture of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan. However, the England Cricket Board (ECB) received a letter from a group of British politicians to boycott the game against Afghanistan.

ECB chief Richard Gould has rejected the calls, refusing to boycott Afghanistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy. Gould stated that while the Taliban regime has curbed women's rights in Afghanistan, the matter needs a response that is coordinated by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and not an individual nation alone.

England are scheduled to encounter Afghanistan on February 26 in Lahore. The ECB received a letter from Tonia Antoniazzi, the Labour MP. The letter was also signed by over 160 politicians, putting the ECB under pressure to boycott the Afghanistan clash.

The letter addressed concerns over women's rights in Afghanistan. Since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, women's sports in the country have also been outlawed. Afghanistan (men's team) have played England only on two occasions since then, however, only at ICC events.

"We strongly urge the England men's team players and officials to speak out against the horrific treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban. We also urge the ECB to consider a boycott of the upcoming match against Afghanistan … to send a clear signal that such grotesque abuses will not be tolerated. We must stand against sex apartheid and we implore the ECB to deliver a firm message of solidarity and hope to Afghan women and girls that their suffering has not been overlooked,'' the letter read (as reported by ESPN Cricinfo).

Gould, in his response, mentioned that participating in an ICC event is a matter that concerns the entire governing body and not just individual members. However, he did state that the ECB is not interested in playing any bilateral series with Afghanistan while the Taliban regime is in rule.

"The ECB strongly condemns the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime. The ICC constitution mandates that all member nations are committed to the growth and development of women's cricket. In line with this commitment, the ECB has maintained its position of not scheduling any bilateral cricket matches against Afghanistan,'' the ECB chief stated.

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"We will explore all possible avenues for meaningful change" - England Cricket Board chief

Although England have refused to boycott the game against Afghanistan, the ECB chief mentioned that they respect and acknowledge different perspectives on the matter of concern.

"It's crucial to recognise the importance of cricket as a source of hope and positivity for many Afghans, including those displaced from the country. The ECB is committed to finding a solution that upholds the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan while also considering the broader impact on the Afghan people,'' Gould said.

Gould further added that the ECB will explore all possible avenues to bring about a meaningful change.

"We will continue to engage in constructive dialogue with the UK government, other stakeholders, the ICC, and other international cricket boards to explore all possible avenues for meaningful change," he said.