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Calls for England to Boycott Champions Trophy Match Against Afghanistan
A significant political push is mounting for the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to boycott its upcoming Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan, slated for February 26 in Lahore. This initiative is supported by over 160 politicians, including notable figures like Nigel Farage, Jeremy Corbyn, and Lord Kinnock, who argue that the ECB should take a stand against the Taliban’s oppressive policies on women’s rights.
Since regaining power in 2021, the Taliban has effectively prohibited women’s participation in sports, a move that not only undermines the rights of Afghan women but also places the Afghanistan Cricket Board at odds with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations that advocate for the promotion of women’s cricket. Despite the men’s team continuing to compete, a letter from a cross-party group in the UK parliament has urged the ECB to adopt a moral stance by cancelling the fixture.
The letter, initiated by Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, underscores the alarming situation in Afghanistan, described as an “insidious dystopia.” It concludes with a plea to ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould, urging the England men’s team and officials to denounce the severe treatment of women and girls under Taliban authority.
In a call for action, the letter states: “We strongly urge the England men’s team players and officials to speak out against the horrific treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban. We also implore the ECB to consider a boycott of the upcoming match against Afghanistan to send a clear signal that such grotesque abuses will not be tolerated.”
The MPs further emphasize the need to stand firm against “sex apartheid,” appealing for a message of solidarity and hope to be delivered to Afghan women and girls, signifying that their suffering remains in the public consciousness.
In response, Gould reiterated the ECB’s commitment to women’s rights while advocating for a cohesive approach among all ICC member nations rather than unilateral actions. “The ECB strongly condemns the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime,” Gould stated. He explained that while the ECB has refrained from scheduling bilateral matches against Afghanistan, the lack of consensus within the ICC regarding further international measures presents a challenge.
Gould acknowledged the importance of cricket as a beacon of hope for many Afghans, including those who have fled the country. He emphasized that the ECB is dedicated to finding solutions that respect the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan while considering the broader implications for the Afghan populace. Ongoing discussions with various stakeholders, including the UK Government and other cricket boards, are integral to exploring meaningful changes.
A spokesperson from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport expressed deep concern over the violations of women’s and girls’ rights in Afghanistan, highlighting that while the matter of participation in the ICC Champions Trophy rests with the ICC and the ECB, the department is actively engaging with the ECB on issues related to the Afghanistan women’s cricket team.
Drawing parallels to past protests, the situation echoes the events surrounding the 2003 World Cup when England’s squad opted to forfeit a match against Zimbabwe to vocalize their dissent against Robert Mugabe’s regime, with political leaders supporting the call for action without directly influencing the players’ decision.
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