Politicians urge ECB to boycott England’s Champions Trophy game with Afghanistan | Cricket News happymamay

The England and Wales Cricket Board has been urged to boycott next month’s Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan by a group of more than 160 politicians, including the likes of Nigel Farage, Jeremy Corbyn and Lord Kinnock.

England’s men’s ODI team is scheduled to face Afghanistan in Lahore on February 26, but there are calls from Westminster for the ECB to reject the match, and take a stand against the Taliban regime’s assault on women’s rights.

Female participation in the sport has been effectively banned since their return to power in 2021, a move that puts the Afghanistan Cricket Board in direct breach of ICC rules.

With the Afghan men still allowed to compete before the ICC, a strongly worded letter has emerged from Parliament demanding that the European Central Bank file its moral objection.

Drafted by Labor MP Tonia Antoniazzi and signed by a cross-party cross-section of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, it evokes the “malignant dystopia” unfolding in Afghanistan.

The statement to ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould concludes: “We strongly urge players and officials of the England men’s national team to speak out against the appalling treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.”

“We also urge the ECB to consider boycotting the upcoming match against Afghanistan…to send a clear signal that such heinous violations will not be tolerated.

“We must stand against gender apartheid, and call on the ECB to deliver a strong message of solidarity and hope to Afghan women and girls that their suffering is not overlooked.”

Gould issued a quick response, reaffirming the ECB’s principles while indicating that he favored a unified approach from all member states rather than acting alone.

“The European Central Bank strongly condemns the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime,” he said.

“The ICC Constitution stipulates the commitment of all Member States to the growth and development of women’s cricket. In line with this commitment, the ECB has maintained its position that no bilateral cricket matches will be scheduled against Afghanistan.

“Although there is no consensus on further international action within the ICC, the ECB will continue to actively advocate for such measures. A coordinated approach at ICC level would be significantly more impactful than unilateral measures taken by members.” Individuals.

“We acknowledge and respect diverse viewpoints on this global issue. We understand the concerns raised by those who believe that boycotting men’s cricket could inadvertently support Taliban efforts to suppress freedoms and isolate Afghan society. It is crucial that we recognize the importance of cricket as a source of hope and positivity.” For many Afghans, including those displaced from the country.

“The ECB is committed to finding a solution that supports the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan while also taking into account the wider impact on the Afghan people. We will continue to engage in constructive dialogue with the UK Government, other stakeholders, the ICC, other international cricket boards to explore all possible ways to achieve Real change.”

A Department for Culture, Media and Sport spokesperson said: “We are deeply concerned about the appalling erosion of the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan.

“Although participation in the ICC Champions Trophy is a matter for the ICC and the England and Wales Cricket Board, we are in contact with the ECB on the broader issue of the Afghanistan women’s cricket team.

“We welcome the fact that the ECB is submitting a protest to the ICC on this broader issue and what support it can provide.”

This situation brings back memories of the 2003 World Cup, when the England national team, under the leadership of Nasser Hussain, lost a match against Zimbabwe in protest against Robert Mugabe’s regime, as politicians supported this move without intervening to make the decision on behalf of the team.