England cricket team told to boycott Champions Trophy game against Afghanistan in protest at the Taliban’s ‘medieval oppression’ of women

More than 160 UK politicians have told the England cricket team to boycott an  upcoming match against Afghanistan in protest at the Taliban’s ‘medieval oppression’ of women.

MPs and peers from across across Westminster are backing the campaign by Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi ahead of the Champions Trophy one-day game in Pakistan next month. 

In a letter to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) she said that one of the Islamist regime’s first acts on retaking power in 2021 was to ban women from taking part in sport.

Afghanistan’s men’s team, which is coached by former England batsman Jonathan Trott, is still allowed to play internationally, while the exiled women’s team is not, she added. 

She urged the governing body to consider boycotting the match in protest at the ‘dystopia’ in the country, and use it to register a protest against the ‘abhorrent oppression’. 

Those backing her call com from across the political spectrum, including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, ex-DUP leader Baroness Arlene Foster, Lord Neil Kinnock and Jeremy Corbyn.

In her letter, Ms Antoniazzi wrote: ‘As the world watches this insidious dystopia unfold, women in Afghanistan find themselves erased from the most innocent of daily activities, imprisoned at home, risking torture and public execution if they protest or do not comply.

‘The ECB is not blind to this abhorrence. Last year, you confirmed that England would not schedule a bilateral series against Afghanistan while women were banned from the sport.

Afghanistan’s men’s team, which is coached by former England batsman Jonathan Trott, is still allowed to play internationally, and beat England last year (above)

She urged the governing body to consider boycotting the match in protest at the ‘dystopia’ in the country, and use it to register a protest against the ‘abhorrent oppression’.

‘Now, with England scheduled to Play Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy next month, you have a precious opportunity to extend those principles and condemn this abhorrent repression.

‘We strongly urge the England Cricket men’s team players and officials to speak out against the horrific treatment o 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.      

England are due to take on Australia, South Africa and Afghanistan in Group B, kicking off their campaign against the Australians in Lahore on February 22.

They then take on Afghanistan four days later at the same venue before facing South Africa in Karachi on March 1.

The eight-team tournament is being held in Pakistan and Dubai, which was confirmed on Tuesday as the neutral venue to host India’s games.

Political tensions between Pakistan and India have led to strained sporting relations and India, cricket’s richest and most powerful country, have not played a game in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup.

In her letter, Ms Antoniazzi wrote: ‘As the world watches this insidious dystopia unfold, women in Afghanistan find themselves erased from the most innocent of daily activities, imprisoned at home, risking torture and public execution if they protest or do not comply.

Richard Gould, the chief executive of the ECB, said: ‘The ECB strongly condemns the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime.

‘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.

‘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.

‘We acknowledge and respect the diverse perspectives on this global issue. 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.

‘It’s crucial to recognise the importance of cricket as a source of hope and positivity for many Afghans, including those displaced from the country.

‘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.’