The Afghan Cricket (ACB) Committee addressed the growing calls for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match between England and Afghanistan. ACB emphasized that political issues should be resolved by diplomatic means and should not interfere with crickets or any other sport.
Last month, a group of over 160 British MPs invited the Committee on Cricket of England and Wales (ECB) to boycott the match against Afghanistan in Lahore on February 26. Calls for boycott were followed by the ban on Afghanistan for women participating in sports from Taliban of Taliban’s re -power in 2021.
South African Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie also agreed with a boycott against Afghanistan. ECB Executive Director Richard Gold criticized Taliban’s treatment of women and dissolving the women’s team for Cricket in Afghanistan, but confirmed that England would play a match in Marquee.
We welcome a statement from the Cricket Committee in England – SPODEB KHAN
In an interview with Cricbuzz, the ACB Executive Director SPODEB Khan said ECB will not boycott the Afghanistan match despite the pressure for it. He welcomed the ECB decision, adding that Afghanistan wants to compete against countries full of members in the main tournaments and bilateral series.
“We welcome a statement of the Cricket Committee in England. Our goal has always been to compete against countries with full members, not only in ICC and the main tournaments, but also in bilateral events. We acted in challenging circumstances, but our progress would not be progress They were possible without the unwavering support of the Member States, the ICC -AI ACC, “Naseb told Cricbuzz.
Political questions should be resolved by diplomatic channel
Pomoeb Khan said political issues should be resolved by diplomatic channels, not in the cricket field. He also pointed out that cricket is a vital source of joy and unity for the Afghan people, especially after they withstanding years of difficulty.
“We firmly believe that political things should be resolved by diplomatic channels or on the table, not on the cricket field and must be kept separate from Sport. As a Cricket Committee, our jurisdiction is limited to the game itself, just as the case with other criceth panels around the world.
Afghanistan has grown despite the war and challenges – Naseb Khan
The ACB Executive Director said the Afghan Cricket Committee is completely focused on the champion trophy. He emphasized the growth of Afghan crislette, including qualifying for the champion trophy, beating top teams, despite the challenges of the war.
“The Afghan crisner has grown despite the war and challenges, bringing hope and unity into our nation. It was always pride for our people. Despite the challenges, we focused on the development of the cricket and securing our team in the best order. Our best. Success in 2023 and 2024, including qualifying for the champion trophy by beating top teams, reflects our progress, “he said.
Afghanistan secured his first victory over England in any format during the 2023 World Cup. Afghanistan, along with Australia, English and South Africa, is in Group B for the upcoming champion trophy, which will start on February 19.
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