Tue Jan 07 04:34:42 UTC 2025: **Over 160 UK Politicians Urge England Cricket Team to Boycott Afghanistan Match Over Women’s Rights**
London, January 7, 2025 – A cross-party group of over 160 UK politicians has urged the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to boycott its upcoming men’s one-day international cricket match against Afghanistan in protest against the Taliban regime’s suppression of women’s rights. The letter, spearheaded by Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi and signed by prominent figures including Nigel Farage and Jeremy Corbyn, highlights the Taliban’s effective ban on female participation in sports, a violation of International Cricket Council (ICC) rules.
The politicians argue that the boycott would send a strong message against the “insidious dystopia” unfolding in Afghanistan, where women and girls face horrific treatment. They implore the ECB to show solidarity with Afghan women and demonstrate that their suffering will not be ignored.
In response, ECB chief executive Richard Gould affirmed the board’s condemnation of the Taliban’s actions and its commitment to women’s cricket. However, he suggested a coordinated, ICC-wide approach would be more effective than unilateral action by England. Gould noted concerns that a boycott might inadvertently aid the Taliban’s efforts to further isolate Afghan society, emphasizing cricket’s importance as a source of hope for many Afghans. The Afghanistan Cricket Board’s continued participation in men’s international cricket, while women are banned, remains a key point of contention. The match is scheduled for February 26th in Lahore, Pakistan.
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