A group of British lawmakers have urged England to boycott their European Champions Cup match against Afghanistan next month, saying the country’s cricket board needs to take a stand against the Taliban’s “crackdown” on women.
Since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, they have restricted women and girls’ access to education and work, restricted their freedom of movement, and forced them to cover their faces and bodies.
Women and girls were also banned from sports and gyms, in violation of International Cricket Council (ICC) rules. Subsequently, the Afghanistan women’s team was disbanded, with several members fleeing the country after 2021.
England is scheduled to face Afghanistan in a group stage match on February 26 in Lahore.
A letter signed by more than 160 politicians on Monday called on players and officials in England to speak out against the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan.
“We also urge the ECB to consider boycotting the upcoming match against Afghanistan in the group stage of the Champions Cup on February 26 to send a clear signal that such heinous violations will not be tolerated,” the letter added.
ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould responded by calling for a unified approach by all member states to Afghanistan’s participation in international cricket.
“The European Central Bank strongly condemns the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime,” Gould said.
“The ICC Constitution stipulates the commitment of all member states to the growth and development of women’s cricket. In line with this commitment, the ECB has maintained its position that no bilateral cricket matches will be scheduled against Afghanistan.
“Although there is no consensus on further international action within the ICC, the ECB will continue to actively advocate for such measures. A coordinated approach at ICC level would be significantly more impactful than unilateral measures taken by members.” individuals.”
England previously faced Afghanistan in the 50-overs Cricket World Cup in 2023, as well as in the Twenty20 World Cup in 2022.
Last year, Australia canceled the T20 series against Afghanistan due to the deteriorating human rights situation for women.