Hundreds of British politicians have called on the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to boycott next month’s Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan.
MPs and peers from across parliament, including Nigel Farage, Jeremy Corbyn, and Lord Kinnock, called for the England men’s one day international side to refuse the fixture which is set for 26 February in Lahore, Pakistan.
Led by Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, many in Westminster have said the boycott would be a way to take a stand against the Taliban regime’s assault on women’s rights.
What have MPs said?
In a post on X on Monday, Ms Antoniazzi, who is the MP for Gower in southwest Wales, said she has written a strongly worded letter to the ECB urging it to “speak out against the Taliban’s unconscionable oppression of women and girls”.
She said the letter has gained more than 160 signatures from people across political parties and in both the House of Commons and House of Lords.
The message, addressed to ECB chief executive Richard Gould, said: “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 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.
“We must stand against sex apartheid and we implore the ECB to deliver a firm message of solidarity and hope to Afghan women and girls that their suffering has not been overlooked.”
England previously faced Afghanistan at the 50-overs Cricket World Cup in 2023, as well as at the Twenty20 World Cup in 2022.
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Taliban restrictions
Since the Taliban returned to power in 2021 it has clamped down on the rights of women and girls, restricting their access to education and work, curbing their freedom of movement, and forcing them to cover their faces and bodies.
Women and girls have also been barred from sports and gyms, a breach of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) rules – which state that all test nations must support and fund women’s cricket.
The Afghanistan women’s team has been disbanded, with several members having fled the country after 2021.
The country’s men’s team is still allowed to compete in tournaments without any sanctions.
Ms Antoniazzi described the regime as “insidious dystopia”.
Last year, Australia called off a T20 series against Afghanistan, citing the deteriorating human rights situation for women.
What has the ECB said?
Responding to the letter, Mr Gould said reaffirmed the ECB’s principles but suggested it favoured a uniform approach from all member nations rather than acting alone.
“The ECB strongly condemns the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime,” he said.
He said, inline with ICC rules, the ECB has maintained its position of not scheduling any bilateral cricket matches against Afghanistan.
“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,” Mr Gould added.
“We acknowledge and respect the diverse perspectives on this global issue. 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 recognise the importance of cricket as a source of hope and positivity for many Afghans, including those displaced from the country.
“The ECB is committed to finding a solution that upholds the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan while also considering the broader impact on the Afghan people.”
He said the ECB will work with the UK government, other stakeholders, the ICC and other international cricket boards to “explore all possible avenues for meaningful change”.
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What is the Champions Trophy?
The Champions Trophy is a 15-match event that consists of eight teams going head-to-head over 19 days.
This year it will take place across Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates from 19 February to 9 March.
It is the first time since 2017 that the competition has been held, according to the ICC, with defending champions Pakistan hosting its first global cricket tournament since 1996.
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The opening match will see hosts Pakistan go up against New Zealand.
England’s first match will be against fierce rivals Australia on 22 February.
