A group of British lawmakers has urged the England cricket team to boycott their upcoming Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan, citing the Taliban regime’s harsh treatment of women and girls.
The appeal comes ahead of England’s group-stage clash against Afghanistan, scheduled for February 26 in Lahore, Pakistan. Over 160 UK politicians, led by Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, have signed a letter addressed to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), urging the team to take a stand against the oppressive policies of Afghanistan’s Taliban government.
Politicians Demand Action Against Human Rights Violations
The letter emphasizes the dire situation for women in Afghanistan since the Taliban reclaimed power in 2021. The regime has severely restricted women’s rights, barring them from education, employment, and sports activities—a direct violation of International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations, which mandate the development of women’s cricket as a prerequisite for full membership.
“We strongly urge 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 letter stated. Signatories included prominent political figures like Nigel Farage, Jeremy Corbyn, and Lord Kinnock.
ECB Calls for a Coordinated Approach
Responding to the letter, ECB chief executive Richard Gould reaffirmed the board’s condemnation of the Taliban’s treatment of women. However, Gould stressed the importance of a unified response from all ICC member nations.
“The ECB strongly condemns the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime,” Gould said. “While there has not been a consensus on further international action within the ICC, the ECB will continue to actively advocate for such measures. A coordinated, ICC-wide approach would be significantly more impactful than unilateral actions by individual members.”
Gould also highlighted the ECB’s ongoing policy of not scheduling bilateral matches against Afghanistan, noting that the Champions Trophy is an ICC event, and participation decisions fall under the global governing body’s jurisdiction.
Afghanistan’s Continued Participation Sparks Debate
The issue of Afghanistan’s participation in international cricket has been a contentious topic. While the ICC has yet to impose sanctions on Afghanistan’s men’s team, several cricketing nations have taken a stand.
Australia canceled a bilateral T20 series against Afghanistan earlier this year, citing concerns over human rights violations. However, Afghanistan has continued to participate in ICC tournaments, facing no restrictions.
Cricket as a Beacon of Hope
While some argue that boycotting matches against Afghanistan sends a powerful message, others caution against isolating the Afghan people, particularly those who find solace in cricket amid difficult circumstances.
Gould acknowledged this sentiment, stating, “We understand the concerns raised by those who believe that a boycott of men’s cricket could inadvertently support the Taliban’s efforts to suppress freedoms and isolate Afghan society. It’s crucial to recognize the importance of cricket as a source of hope and positivity for many Afghans, including those displaced from the country.”
The Future of Afghanistan Women’s Cricket
The situation remains bleak for Afghanistan’s women’s cricket team. The team was disbanded after the Taliban’s return to power, with many players fleeing the country for their safety. In 2020, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) had awarded contracts to 25 female players. However, the progress was undone when the Taliban reinstated their restrictive policies.
The Department for Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) in the UK expressed its concerns over the issue, stating that it is in touch with the ECB to explore ways to address the situation.
“We are deeply concerned by the appalling erosion of women’s and girls’ rights in Afghanistan,” a DCMS spokesperson said. “We welcome the fact that the ECB is making representations to the ICC on this wider issue and what support can be given.”
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