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More than 160 politicians of England had written a letter to the England and Wales Cricket Board to boycott England vs Afghanistan match of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 because of the treatment of women in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. However, this has reportedly been rejected by the ECB .
A letter from Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi to ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould said, "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."
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."
England protested over Taliban-ruled country
England has cited the laws and restrictions being brought against women by the Taliban government in this country as the reason for not playing the match against Afghanistan. England has called these decisions against humanity and has raised the issue of boycotting the match in protest.
Australia also refused to play with Afghanistan
England is not the first country to refuse to play match against Afghanistan due to the restrictions being imposed by the Taliban against women. Australia has also canceled a series with Afghanistan for the same reason.
Australia had also refused to play any bilateral series with Afghanistan. Now both these teams are also seen playing against each other in ICC tournaments only. They played each other at the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup. Afghanistan players had also expressed their displeasure towards Australian cricket regarding this.
Pakistan to host the tournament
This time Pakistan is hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 from 19th February. The tournament has been in discussion for a long time regarding its venue. After BCCI's decision not to send Team India to Pakistan for this event, there was a long dispute regarding its venue.
After a lot of difficulties, the tournament has now been decided in hybrid model. All the matches will be held in Pakistan while India will play all its matches in Dubai. If India reaches the semi-finals or finals then these matches will also be played in Dubai.
England vs Afghanistan to be held on 26 February
England have been placed in Group B along with Afghanistan, Australia, and South Africa in the Champions Trophy 2025. The clash between England and Afghanistan is to be held on 26 February.