The Champions Trophy match between England and Afghanistan will take place this month even though British politicians have urged for a match boycott due to Taliban restrictions on women’s rights.
The England and Wales Cricket Board announced Thursday that the February 26 fixture in Lahore would proceed after consultations with the UK government and the International Cricket Council in addition to England players.
Since the Taliban regained authority in 2021 female sports participation was banned which led to over 160 British politicians demanding a boycott.
The Afghanistan cricket board’s stance violates ICC regulations, yet their men’s team maintains permission to play.
Richard Thompson the ECB chairman labeled Afghanistan’s situation as “gender apartheid” yet confirmed the match would proceed.
He stated that the cricketing world should unite internationally to address the situation because collective action will prove more effective than the ECB’s choice to boycott the match alone.
Our sources indicate that viewing their cricket team serves as one of the remaining sources of joy for many regular citizens in Afghanistan. We can officially confirm that we will participate in this particular match.
Afghanistan has emerged as an important player in white-ball cricket recently by climbing up to eighth place in the one-day international world rankings which places them directly above England.
Australia and South Africa will compete against both teams in Group B of the 50-over tournament which will take place in Pakistan and the UAE from February 19 to March 9.