The ECB rejects calls to boycott England’s Champions Trophy match with Afghanistan

The England and Wales Cricket Board (EWC) has rejected calls from British politicians to boycott England’s Champions Trophy match with Afghanistan in February, saying such actions require a “coordinated, ICC-led response”.

Richard Gould, the ECB’s chief executive, responded to a letter signed by more than 160 cross-party politicians, including Labor MPs Tonya Antoniaci, Jeremy Corbyn, Lord Kinnock and Nigel Farage.

The letter highlighted concerns about the Taliban’s “sexual apartheid” and crackdown on women’s rights, including an effective ban on women’s sports in Afghanistan from 2021.

The letter urged the ECB to “deliver a strong message of solidarity” to Afghan women and girls by boycotting the February 26 match in Lahore, which is England’s second match of the tournament.

“The ECB strongly condemns the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime,” Gould said in his response. However, he stressed that the ECB is not planning bilateral matches with Afghanistan and that participation in ICC tournaments is governed by the world cricket body.

“A coordinated approach at the ICC level would have a significantly greater impact than unilateral actions by individual members,” Gould noted.

The dispute echoes a similar dilemma faced by England during the 2003 World Cup, when players were asked to boycott a match against Zimbabwe under Robert Mugabe’s regime. At the time, England lost 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 is important to recognize the wider impact on Afghan society while supporting 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 supporting international action on the treatment of Afghan women, he added.