Joe Root has opened up on calls to boycott his champion trophy match against Afghanistan because of the Taliban oppression of women. Root stated that the Cricket of England and Wales Committee (ECB) and Captain Jos Buttler believe that boycotting this game will have no positive impact.
There were an invitation for England to boycott his ICC champions Trophy match against Afghanistan, which will be held on February 26 in Lahore. Demand derives from the suppression of women’s rights of Taliban, including a ban on women participating in sports since returning to power in 2021.
Cricket brings hope, hopefully two teams can do it – Joe Root
Joe Root stated that ECB, Jos Buttler and officials were consulted with experts before they decided that the boycott would not have a positive impact. He acknowledged the difficult situation in Afghanistan, but emphasized that the cricket brings joy and hope to many in the country.
“[Key, the ECB and Buttler] Everyone spoke with experts on the field and do not see that boycotting this game will have any positive impact, “said Joe Root.
“It is clear that there is things that are hard to hear and read, but cricket is such a source of joy for so many people. For many people in Afghanistan, cricket gives them hope, it gives them joy. We hope that two teams will do it in the next Fastening, “he added.
“From our point of view, we play and we have to make sure we put the best legs forward, play our best cricket and find ourselves on the right side of the results.”
“You do not see that the boycott of this game will have any positive impact”@root66 Speaking in front of England #Championstrophy He plays against Afghanistan. #BBCCRICKET pic.twitter.com/ddrxlmxxy
– Special test match (@bbctms) 24. February 2025
Afghanistan is the only ICC state full of members without a functional cricket team, because the Talibani banned women’s participation in the international crisis.
We can’t look in front of that – Joe Root
Joe Root emphasized that the focus of England is at their next match, not to watch too far. He said that the team wanted to stay present, prepare well for the upcoming game and convey confidence gained with strong performances.
“Next is a game, really. We can’t watch in front of it. As much as the cliché, you have to keep an eye on what’s right in front of you, get ready as for what follow the game. “
England has to win the remaining two matches to ensure semifinals of the embroidery
England must win the remaining two matches to secure a place in the semifinals. Jamie Overton is expected to bring Jamie Overton as a replacement for the injured Brydon Carse in the conflict against Afghanistan.
Carse is excluded from the tournament due to the injury of the toes. ECB called Spinner’s 20-year-old legs Rehan Ahmed as his replacement, but he will not arrive on time for a key game against Afghanistan on February 26.
England and Afghanistan faced ODIS three times, and Afghanistan secured an amazing 69 run in his latest match at the 2023 World Cup.
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