Islamabad, Feb 7: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that England’s men’s team will play their Champions Trophy fixture against Afghanistan later this month, despite mounting political pressure in the UK calling for a boycott. The match, scheduled for February 26 in Lahore, has been at the center of a growing debate, with more than 160 British politicians urging England to withdraw in protest of the Taliban’s treatment of women.
The decision follows strong criticism of Afghanistan’s human rights record, particularly concerning the suppression of women’s rights under Taliban rule. ECB chairman Richard Thompson did not shy away from addressing the issue, describing the situation as “gender apartheid.” However, after a board meeting on Thursday, the ECB determined that withdrawing from the match would not be the most effective course of action. Instead, the board emphasized the importance of a “coordinated international response” over unilateral measures.
Thompson reiterated that the ECB had carefully considered differing perspectives and consulted with key stakeholders, including the UK Government, the ICC, and England’s players. He also acknowledged the struggles faced by Afghan women cricketers who have fled their country, stating that the ECB is actively exploring ways to support them.
While the ECB recognized the controversy surrounding the decision, it maintained that cricket remains one of the few sources of joy for many in Afghanistan, even under Taliban rule. The board’s position aligns with the broader discussion on Afghanistan’s standing in world cricket, as pressure continues to mount on the ICC to take a firmer stance against the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB).
Since the Taliban’s return to power, Afghanistan has failed to field a women’s team, a direct violation of ICC membership requirements. Despite this, Afghanistan retains its full ICC membership and continues to receive financial support from the governing body. This has drawn sharp criticism from exiled Afghan female cricketers and human rights advocates, who argue that the ICC’s inaction enables the suppression of women’s participation in the sport.
As the Champions Trophy nears, the debate surrounding Afghanistan’s inclusion in international cricket and whether sporting boycotts should play a role in political protest remains far from settled.
