NEW DELHI: A boycott of England’s Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan over the persecution of women in a Taliban-ruled nation has apparently been rejected by the England and Wales Cricket Board.
More than 160 lawmakers have written to the ECB urging them to boycott England’s Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan on February 26.
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“We strongly urge the England men’s team players and officials to speak out against the horrific treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban. We also urge the ECB to consider a boycott of the upcoming match against Afghanistan… to send a clear signal that such grotesque abuses will not be tolerated.
“We must stand against sex apartheid, and we implore the ECB to deliver a firm message of solidarity and hope to Afghan women and girls that their suffering has not been overlooked,” a letter, written by Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi to ECB chief executive Richard Gould, read.
In response to the letter calling for a boycott, Gould said, “ECB strongly condemns the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime” while suggesting it favours a uniform approach from all member nations rather than acting alone, according to Sky Sports report.
“We understand the concerns raised by those who believe that a boycott of men’s cricket could inadvertently support the Taliban’s efforts to suppress freedoms and isolate Afghan society.
“The ICC Constitution mandates that all member nations are committed to the growth and development of women’s cricket. In line with this commitment, the ECB has maintained its position of not scheduling any bilateral cricket matches against Afghanistan,” he said.
“While there has not been a consensus on further international action within the ICC, the ECB will continue to actively advocate for such measures. A coordinated, ICC-wide approach would be significantly more impactful than unilateral actions by individual members.
“The ECB is committed to finding a solution that upholds the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan while also considering the broader impact on the Afghan people. We will continue to engage in constructive dialogue with the UK Government, other stakeholders, the ICC, and other international cricket boards to explore all possible avenues for meaningful change,” Gould added.