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The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) faces increasing pressure from politicians to boycott his next match against Afghanistan to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. More than 160 politicians have written to the ECB to urge it to take a stand against the suppression of women’s rights by the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.
Letter from politicians 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 players and officials of the England men’s team to speak out against the appalling treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban. We also urge the ECB to consider a boycott of the next party against Afghanistan… to send a clear signal that these grotesque abuses will not be tolerated. We must oppose sexual apartheid and implore the ECB to deliver a strong message of solidarity and hope to Afghan women and girls that their suffering has not been overlooked.” read the letter from the politicians.
The ECB, while recognizing the serious human rights situation in Afghanistan, has expressed concern about the possible consequences of a unilateral boycott.
The ECB’s response to calls to boycott the conflict in Afghanistan
The ICC constitution requires the participation of all member nations in ICC events. A boycott could lead to point 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 requires all member nations to be committed to the growth and development of women’s cricket. Online with this commitment, the ECB has maintained its position of not scheduling any bilateral cricket matches against Afghanistan.” Richard Gould, CEO of the ECB Richard Gould he said in response to the politicians’ letter.
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“While there has been no consensus on further international action within the ICC, the ECB will continue to actively advocate for such measures. A coordinated approach across the ICC would have more impact than unilateral actions by individual members.”
“We recognize 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 is crucial to recognize the importance of cricket as a source of hope and positivity for many Afghans, including those displaced within the country.”
“The ECB is committed to finding a solution that ensures the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan while taking into account the wider impact on the Afghan people. We will continue to engage in a 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.
