British politicians urge England to boycott Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan
PTC News Desk: The Champions Trophy 2025 has once again drew controversy after British politicians have mounted pressure on England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to boycott match against Afghanistan. England's Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan is scheduled to take place in Lahore on 26 February.
More than 160 British politicians have urged to boycott the match against Afghanistan owing to scenario of women under Taliban regime. A wide cross-party group from the House of Commons and House of Lords, including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and former leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn, called on the ECB "to speak out against the horrific treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban."
Ever since the return of taliban regime in Afghanistan in 2021, the issue of women rights has significantly gained momentum across the globe. With the disbanding of women’s cricket team, there was no scop left for women athletes to participate. Also according to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) regulations, member nations must support both men’s and women’s teams.
When Taliban recaptured Kabul in 2021, the Afghanistan women’s cricket team was disbanded and as per the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) regulations, member nations must support both men’s and women’s teams. Hoever Afghanistan continue to play with their cricket with their men's team triggering a concern amongst British politicians.
The ECB has been asked to provide a “firm message of solidarity”. “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.”
- With inputs from agencies
