ECB declines call to boycott England's Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan

ECB strongly condemns the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime, says chief executive

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The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has declined calls from British politicians to boycott England's Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan in February, stating that such actions require a "coordinated, ICC-led response."

Richard Gould, the ECB's chief executive, responded to a letter signed by over 160 cross-party politicians, including Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, Jeremy Corbyn, Lord Kinnock, and Nigel Farage.

The letter highlighted concerns over the Taliban's "sex apartheid" and clampdown on women's rights, including the effective ban on women's sport in Afghanistan since 2021.

The letter urged the ECB to "deliver a firm message of solidarity" with Afghan women and girls by boycotting the February 26 match in Lahore, which is England's second game of the tournament.

"The ECB strongly condemns the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime," Gould stated in his response. However, he emphasised that the ECB does not schedule bilateral matches with Afghanistan and that participation in ICC tournaments is governed by the global cricketing body.

"A coordinated, ICC-wide approach would be significantly more impactful than unilateral actions by individual members," Gould noted.

The controversy echoes a similar dilemma faced by England during the 2003 World Cup when players were urged to boycott a match against Zimbabwe under Robert Mugabe’s regime. At the time, England forfeited points after leaving the decision to the players.

Gould acknowledged the importance of cricket to the Afghan people, saying it remains "a source of hope and positivity" for many, including those displaced by conflict. "It’s crucial to recognise the broader impact on Afghan society while advocating for the rights of women and girls," he added.

The ECB will continue discussions with the UK government, the ICC, and other stakeholders to address the issue while advocating for international action on Afghanistan’s treatment of women, he added.