The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is facing mounting pressure from politicians to boycott their upcoming match against Afghanistan at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Over 160 politicians have written to the ECB urging them to take a stand against the Taliban regime’s suppression of women’s rights in Afghanistan.
Politicians’ letter to the ECB
The letter highlights the Taliban’s ban on women’s sports, forcing the Afghan women’s cricket team to disband and seek refuge abroad.
“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 from politicians read.
The ECB, while acknowledging the grave human rights situation in Afghanistan, has expressed concerns about the potential consequences of a unilateral boycott.
ECB’s response on calls to boycott Afghanistan clash
The ICC constitution mandates the participation of all member nations in ICC events. A boycott could result in points deductions and potentially jeopardize England’s chances of winning the tournament.
“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,” Richard Gould, the ECB chief executive Richard Gould stated in response to the politicians’ letter.
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“While there has not been a consensus on further international action within the ICC, the ECB will continue to actively advocate for such measures. A coordinated, ICC-wide approach would be significantly more impactful than unilateral actions by individual members.”
“We acknowledge and respect the diverse perspectives on this global issue. We understand the concerns raised by those who believe that a boycott of men’s cricket could inadvertently support the Taliban’s efforts to suppress freedoms and isolate Afghan society. 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. 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 added.
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