Champions Trophy 2025: ECB reacts to politicians’ plea to boycott England-Afghanistan clash

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The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is facing increasing pressure from politicians to boycott the upcoming match against Afghanistan on ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Over 160 politicians have written to the ECB urging them to take a stand against the suppression of women’s rights by the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.

A letter from a politician 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 encourage England men’s national team players and officials to speak out against the appalling treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban. We also call on the ECB to consider boycotting the upcoming match against Afghanistan… to send a clear signal that such grotesque abuses will not be tolerated. We must stand against sexual apartheid and we ask the ECB to send a strong message of solidarity and hope to Afghan women and girls that their suffering has not been ignored,” read the politician’s letter.

The ECB, while acknowledging the dire human rights situation in Afghanistan, expressed concern about the possible consequences of a unilateral boycott.

The ECB’s response to calls for a boycott of the conflict in Afghanistan

The ICC Constitution mandates the participation of all member countries in ICC events. A boycott could result in points being deducted 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 countries are committed to the growth and development of women’s cricket. In line with this commitment, the ECB has maintained its position not to schedule any bilateral cricket matches against Afghanistan.” Richard Gould, Executive Director of the ECB Richard Gould it says in the answer to the politician’s letter.

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“While no consensus has been reached on further international action within the ICC, the ECB will continue to actively advocate for such measures. A coordinated approach at the ICC level would be significantly more effective than unilateral actions by individual members.”

“We recognize and respect different perspectives on this global issue. We understand the concerns of 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 from the country.”

“The ECB is committed to finding solutions that support 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 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.