- England confirms playing Afghanistan in Champions Trophy 2025 despite boycott calls.
- ECB labels Taliban’s policies as “gender apartheid” but prioritizes global cricket unity.
- Over 160 UK politicians urged boycott to protest Taliban’s ban on women’s sports.
England’s Decision to Play Afghanistan in Champions Trophy 2025
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced it will play against Afghanistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on February 26 in Lahore. This decision came after debates over whether to boycott the match due to the Taliban’s ban on women’s sports. ECB Chair Richard Thompson called the situation in Afghanistan “gender apartheid” but argued that global cricket cooperation is better than a single-country boycott.
The ECB consulted the UK government, International Cricket Council (ICC), and players before deciding. They highlighted that cricket brings joy to ordinary Afghans, who have few sources of happiness under Taliban rule. Jos Buttler, England’s captain, also supported playing, saying politics should not disrupt sport
Afghanistan’s men’s team remains a full ICC member despite violating rules requiring a women’s team. The Taliban outlawed women’s cricket in 2021, forcing players into exile. The ECB stressed that isolated boycotts would not solve systemic issues but pledged to push the ICC for stronger action.
Political Pressure and Calls for Boycott
A cross-party letter signed by 160+ UK politicians demanded England boycott the match to protest the Taliban’s oppression of women . Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi argued that England’s players should use their influence to advocate for Afghan women . However, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy opposed the boycott, calling it “counterproductive” .
The South African Sports Minister also supported boycott calls, but Cricket South Africa refused, stating only the ICC could enforce bans . The ECB emphasized that coordinated global action—not unilateral moves—is needed to address Afghanistan’s human rights crisis .
Richard Thompson acknowledged the complexity: while Afghan women suffer, cricket offers hope to millions of fans. The ECB donated £100,000 to support exiled female cricketers and urged the ICC to fund refugee athletes.
The Plight of Afghan Women Cricketers
Before the Taliban’s 2021 takeover, Afghanistan had 25 contracted women players. Most now live in Australia as refugees. Nahida Sapan, captain of the exiled team, urged the world to focus on supporting female athletes rather than punishing the men’s team.
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) launched a Global Refugee Cricket Fund to help exiled players. The ECB’s donation aims to provide training and education for Afghan women . Firooza Amir and Benafsha Hashimi, exiled players, asked Afghanistan’s men to be “the voice of the girls” .
Despite ICC rules requiring women’s teams for full membership, Afghanistan’s men retain their status. The ECB wants the ICC to recognize a refugee women’s team and fund pathways for coaches and administrators.
ECB’s Support and ICC’s Role in Championing Rights
The ECB is pressing the ICC to:
- Ring-fence funds for Afghan women’s cricket.
- Recognize a refugee team for exiled players.
- Condition Afghanistan’s membership on restoring women’s cricket .
Richard Thompson stated that cricket alone cannot fix Afghanistan’s problems but vowed to keep advocating for women’s rights. The Champions Trophy 2025 will feature Group B matches against Australia and South Africa, with the final on March 9 .
The ICC faces criticism for allowing Afghanistan’s participation despite human rights violations. However, it aims to use cricket as a tool for diplomatic influence rather than imposing bans .
Champions Trophy 2025: A Platform for Change?
The Champions Trophy 2025, hosted in Pakistan and Dubai, highlights cricket’s global reach. England’s match against Afghanistan could spotlight gender rights issues while uniting fans .
Afghanistan men’s team ranks 8th in ODIs, just below England. Their success contrasts with the Taliban’s repression, creating a moral dilemma for opponents.
By playing, England hopes to balance sporting integrity with advocacy. The ECB’s actions—donations, refugee support, and ICC pressure—show a multifaceted approach to addressing injustice
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ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches
Pakistan vs New Zealand - 1st Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs India - 2nd Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs South Africa - 3rd Match, Group B | Australia vs England - 4th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs India - 5th Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs New Zealand - 6th Match, Group A | Australia vs South Africa - 7th Match, Group B | Afghanistan vs England - 8th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs Bangladesh - 9th Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs Australia - 10th Match, Group B | England vs South Africa - 11th Match, Group B | New Zealand vs India - 12th Match, Group A | TBA vs TBA, 1st Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, 2nd Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, Final |
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Teams
PAKISTAN | NEW ZEALAND | BANGLADESH | INDIA | AFGHANISTAN | SOUTH AFRICA | AUSTRALIA | ENGLAND
