160 Parliamentarians in England Write to the English Cricket Board, demanding a Boycott of Afghanistan’s Match in the Champions Trophy.
The English Cricket Board received a letter written by Labour MP Tanya Antonyazi, which is also signed by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, and Lord Knows.
The letter demands that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) boycott the upcoming Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan next month, in light of Afghanistan’s treatment of women’s rights.
The match between England and Afghanistan is scheduled for February 26 in Lahore.
However, the England Cricket Board has rejected the politicians’ demand and reaffirmed its commitment to playing the Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan in Lahore.
ECB CEO Richard Gould stated that the governing body is determined to find a solution that preserves the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan.
He mentioned that while there is no consensus within the ICC for further international action, the ECB will continue to actively advocate for such measures. He emphasized that a coordinated, broad ICC approach would be far more effective than unilateral actions by individual members.
Richard Gould further stated that the ECB will maintain its policy of not scheduling bilateral matches against Afghanistan but did not commit to boycotting the Champions Trophy match.
