England Vs Afghanistan : A New Drama In ICC CT 2025
More than 160 British lawmakers have called on the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to pull out of the forthcoming Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan, as a protest against the Taliban regime’s limitations on women’s rights.
Representatives from both the House of Commons and House of Lords, including Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, and former Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, have urged the ECB “to raise awareness of the appalling treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban.”
Also Read: Australian Test Stars To Join BBL Soon
Since the Taliban regained control in 2021, women have effectively been prevented from participating in sports, which contravenes the regulations set by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for cricket boards.
Richard Gould, the Chief Executive of the ECB, supports a unified approach among all member nations as the most effective way forward. “The ECB unequivocally condemns the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime,” he stated. “The ICC Constitution requires that all member nations are dedicated to the advancement and growth of women’s cricket. In line with this commitment, the ECB has consistently chosen not to arrange any bilateral matches with Afghanistan.”
“Although there has not yet been a consensus on further international action within the ICC, the ECB will persist in advocating for such initiatives. A coordinated approach across the ICC would be far more effective than isolated actions taken by individual members,” he added.
England is set to face Afghanistan in Lahore on February 26.
