The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is urging for a united international response regarding Afghanistan’s participation in cricket, as pressure mounts for the England men’s team to boycott their upcoming Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan. This game is scheduled to take place in Lahore on February 26.

The call for a boycott stems from demands by UK politicians, who believe England should take a stand against the Taliban’s severe restrictions on women’s rights. A letter addressed to the ECB, led by Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi and signed by over 160 political figures, including Nigel Farage, Jeremy Corbyn, and Lord Kinnock, pushes for the match to be canceled. The letter states this would “send a clear message” that such “horrific abuses” are unacceptable.

Since the Taliban regained control in 2021, women in Afghanistan have been banned from participating in sports, forcing many female athletes to flee for safety. Cricket’s global governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC), requires full member nations to maintain women’s teams and development pathways. However, Afghanistan’s men’s team has continued to play in ICC events without facing any penalties.

Responding to the letter, ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould acknowledged the situation and stated the board is committed to finding a solution that protects the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan. Gould emphasized the need for a united approach through the ICC rather than individual actions by member nations, arguing it would create greater impact.

While the ECB has maintained its policy of not scheduling bilateral matches with Afghanistan, Gould stopped short of confirming whether England would boycott the Champions Trophy match. He noted the ECB plans to collaborate with the UK government, international cricket boards, and the ICC to explore meaningful solutions. However, he also highlighted differing opinions on whether a boycott might inadvertently harm Afghan society further.

Gould pointed out that cricket remains a rare source of hope for many Afghans, including those displaced from their homeland. He stressed the importance of considering this perspective while addressing concerns about women’s rights under the Taliban regime.

Afghanistan’s women’s cricket team was first established in 2010, nearly a decade after the Taliban’s fall. However, progress was slow due to threats from the group. In 2020, 25 female players were given contracts by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). Unfortunately, their progress came to a halt when the Taliban regained power in 2021. Many of these players have since fled to Australia.

England has faced Afghanistan three times in international cricket but lost their most recent match during the 2023 World Cup. The Champions Trophy will be held from February 19 to March 9, hosted by Pakistan and Dubai. The tournament features eight teams split into two groups: England, Afghanistan, Australia, and South Africa in Group B; and Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh in Group A.