Several MPs and peers in Westminster are urging the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to boycott the upcoming Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan as a protest against the
Taliban regime’s harsh policies on women's rights.
A united call for action
Hundreds of British politicians, including prominent figures such as Nigel Farage, Jeremy Corbyn, and Lord Kinnock, have signed a letter urging the England men’s cricket team to withdraw from the fixture scheduled for February 26 in Lahore, Pakistan. The boycott is being promoted as a symbolic gesture to condemn the Taliban’s treatment of women and girls.
The initiative is led by Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, who has gathered over 160 signatures from across different political parties and both houses of parliament. In a social media post, Antoniazzi confirmed she had sent a letter to ECB chief executive Richard Gould, urging the board to take a stand.
A strong message to the ECB
The letter emphasizes the need for the England team and ECB officials to publicly denounce the Taliban’s policies, stating:
"We strongly urge the England men's team 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 a boycott of the upcoming match against Afghanistan to send a clear message that such grotesque abuses will not be tolerated."
It further appeals for solidarity with Afghan women and girls, whose rights and freedoms have been severely curtailed under Taliban rule. The letter describes the regime as an “insidious dystopia.”
England has previously faced Afghanistan in major international tournaments, including the 2023 Cricket World Cup and the 2022 Twenty20 World Cup.
Taliban’s restrictions on women
Since regaining power in 2021, the Taliban has imposed severe restrictions on Afghan women and girls. They have been barred from attending schools and universities, prohibited from working in most sectors, and forced to follow strict dress codes. Additionally, women have been banned from participating in sports, violating International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations, which mandate that all Test nations must support and promote women's cricket.
Following the Taliban’s return to power, the Afghanistan women’s cricket team was disbanded, with many players fleeing the country. Despite these developments, the country’s men’s team continues to compete in international tournaments without facing any sanctions. In 2023, Australia canceled a scheduled T20 series against Afghanistan in protest of the Taliban’s human rights violations.
The ECB’s response
In response to the letter, ECB chief executive Richard Gould reiterated the board’s condemnation of the Taliban’s treatment of women and girls. However, he suggested that any action taken should be part of a coordinated international effort rather than unilateral measures by individual cricket boards.
"While there has not been consensus on further international action within the ICC, the ECB will continue to advocate for such measures. A coordinated, ICC-wide approach would have a greater impact than individual boycotts," Gould explained.
He acknowledged differing viewpoints on the matter, noting concerns that a boycott might inadvertently aid the Taliban’s efforts to isolate Afghan society.
"Cricket remains a source of hope and positivity for many Afghans, including those displaced from the country. The ECB is committed to exploring solutions that balance the need to uphold women's rights with the broader impact on Afghan society," he added.
The ECB pledged to collaborate with the UK government, ICC, and other international boards to explore meaningful actions that could promote change.
About the champions trophy
The Champions Trophy is a prestigious cricket tournament featuring eight teams competing over 15 matches in 19 days. The upcoming event, which will be held from February 19 to March 9, marks its first occurrence since 2017. Pakistan, the defending champion, will host the competition alongside the United Arab Emirates, making it the first major global cricket tournament in the country since 1996. Photo by Peter Meade, Wikimedia commons.
