England to play Afghanistan in Champions Trophy despite boycott calls
1. ECB chairman describes situation in Afghanistan as "gender apartheid" but says match will take place
England to Play Afghanistan in ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 Amid Boycott Calls
LONDON: England will face Afghanistan in the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 later this month, despite calls from British politicians to boycott the match due to the Taliban regime's restrictions on women's rights.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Thursday that the match will proceed as scheduled in Lahore on February 26, after consulting with the UK government, the International Cricket Council (ICC), and England's players.
Over 160 British politicians had urged a boycott, citing the Taliban’s crackdown on female participation in sports since their return to power in 2021. This has placed the Afghanistan Cricket Board at odds with ICC regulations, although the Afghan men’s team is still allowed to compete.
ECB chairman Richard Thompson referred to the situation in Afghanistan as "gender apartheid" but confirmed that the match will go ahead.
"We believe that a coordinated international response by the cricketing community is the best way forward and will achieve more than any unilateral action by the ECB in boycotting this match," Thompson said.
He added, "We have also heard that for many ordinary Afghans, watching their cricket team is one of the few remaining sources of enjoyment. As such, we will play this fixture."
Afghanistan has become a formidable force in white-ball cricket, recently climbing to eighth in the ODI rankings, just one spot below England.
Both teams will also face Australia and South Africa in Group B of the 50-over tournament, which will be hosted in Pakistan and the UAE from February 19 to March 9.
