English politicians call on team to boycott match against Afghanistan in Champions Trophy

English politicians have called for a boycott of the country's match against Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy 2025.

More than 160 Members of Parliament (MPs), including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Reform leader Nigel Farage, have written to the English Cricket Board (ECB), stating: "The ECB should refuse to play the group match against Afghanistan on February 26. A boycott of the match with Afghanistan would be a clear message of intolerance against oppression. We urge the ECB to send a strong message of solidarity with Afghan women."

On the other hand, the English Cricket Board is of the opinion that it cannot unilaterally decide to boycott the match against Afghanistan.

ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould said, "The England and Wales Cricket Board strongly condemns the Taliban's treatment of women. Cricket is a source of hope for many Afghans and displaced Afghans. We will support a joint decision with all member countries."

The ECB will continue its policy of not scheduling bilateral matches against Afghanistan, but they haven't decided if they will boycott matches.

Individual cricket boards organize bilateral matches, but the ICC manages tournaments like the Champions Trophy. Since Afghanistan is allowed to participate by the ICC, England is expected to play against them as planned.

Australia has cancelled several men's series against Afghanistan in recent years because of the Taliban regime's restrictions on women.

However, they still played against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup.

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