UK Jeetbuzz politicians urge England to boycott Champions League cricket match with Afghanistan

Jeetbuzz British politicians want the England and Wales Cricket Board to take a stand against the Taliban regime's violations of women's rights and boycott the men's ODI against Afghanistan scheduled for February 26 in Lahore, Pakistan.

England should refuse to take part in next month's Champions Trophy cricket match against Afghanistan, a letter signed by more than 160 British politicians said.

Politicians want the England and Wales Cricket Board to take a stand against the Taliban regime's violations of women's rights and boycott the men's ODI against Afghanistan scheduled for February 26 in Lahore, Pakistan.

Women's participation in sport has been effectively banned since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, a move that puts the Afghanistan Cricket Board in breach of International Cricket Council rules.

With the ICC still allowing the Afghan men to compete, the UK Parliament issued a strongly worded letter pleading with the ECB to raise its moral objections.

The statement, addressed to ECB chief executive Richard Gould, concluded: "We strongly urge England men's football 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 boycotting the upcoming match against Afghanistan... to send a clear signal that this heinous abuse will not be tolerated.

"A coordinated approach within the ICC will be more influential than unilateral actions by individual members.

"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. Recognize the importance of cricket as a source of hope and positivity for many Afghans, including those who have been displaced , this is crucial.

At the 2003 Cricket World Cup, England abandoned their match against Zimbabwe in protest against Robert Mugabe's regime.