Workout
Meditation
Contact Us
A group of British lawmakers have 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. More than 160 UK politicians, led by Labor MP Tonia Antoniazzi, have signed a letter 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 of women in Afghanistan since the Taliban regained power in 2021. The regime has severely restricted women’s rights, prohibiting them from education, employment and sports activities, a direct violation of the regulations of the International Cricket Council (ICC), which mandates the development of women’s cricket as a prerequisite for full membership.
“We strongly urge the ECB to consider boycotting the upcoming match against Afghanistan to send a clear signal that such grotesque abuses will not be tolerated,” the letter said. Signatories included prominent political figures such as Nigel Farage, Jeremy Corbyn and Lord Kinnock.
ECB calls for 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 countries.
“The ECB strongly condemns the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime,” said Gould. “While there has been no consensus on new international actions within the ICC, the ECB will continue to actively advocate for such measures. A coordinated approach at the ICC level would have a significantly greater impact than unilateral actions by individual members.”
Gould also highlighted the ECB’s current policy of not scheduling bilateral matches against Afghanistan, pointing out that the Champions Trophy is an ICC event and participation decisions fall under the jurisdiction of the global governing body.
Afghanistan’s continued involvement sparks debate
The issue of Afghanistan’s participation in international cricket has been a contentious issue. While the ICC has yet to impose sanctions on the Afghanistan men’s team, several cricket nations have taken a stance.
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 without facing restrictions.
Cricket as a beacon of hope
While some argue that boycotting matches against Afghanistan sends a powerful message, others warn 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 is 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 the Afghanistan women’s cricket team. The team disbanded following the Taliban’s return to power, and many players fled the country for their safety. In 2020, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) awarded contracts to 25 players. However, progress was undone when the Taliban reinstated their restrictive policies.
The UK’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has expressed concern over the issue and said it is in contact with the ECB to explore ways to address the situation.
“We are deeply concerned by the terrible erosion of the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan,” a DCMS spokesperson said. “We welcome the fact that the ECB is making representations to the ICC on this broader issue and what support can be provided.”
Stay up to date with all the cricket action, follow Cricadio in WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram and instagram
