ECB Rejects Call For Boycott Of Afghanistan Champions Trophy Game: Report

The England and Wales Cricket Board has reportedly rejected calls to boycott England's match against Afghanistan in the upcoming Champions Trophy over the treatment of women in a Taliban-ruled country. England are scheduled to face Afghanistan on February 26 in the Champions Trophy but more than 160 politicians have written a letter to the ECB, urging to boycott the match. "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