New Delhi
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has reportedly rejected calls to boycott England’s match against Afghanistan in the upcoming Champions Trophy due to the treatment of women in the Taliban-ruled country. England are scheduled to face Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy on February 26, but more than 160 politicians have written a letter to the ECB urging them to boycott the match.
“We strongly urge England men’s team players and officials to speak out against the horrific treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. “We also urge the ECB to consider boycotting the upcoming match against Afghanistan… to send a clear signal that this type of despicable misconduct will not be tolerated.” “We must stand up against gender discrimination, and we urge the ECB to offer a message of solidarity and hope to Afghan women and girls,” said a letter from Labor MP Tonia Antoniazzi to ECB chief executive Richard Gould. “Send a strong message that their suffering has not gone unnoticed.”
In response to the letter calling for a boycott, Gold said, “The ECB strongly condemns the treatment of women and girls under the Taliban regime in Afghanistan while suggesting that it “Supports a uniform approach from all Member States rather than working alone.”
“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 freedom and isolate Afghan society.” He said, “The ICC Constitution mandates that all member states are committed to the development of women’s cricket. In line with this commitment, the ECB has maintained its position of not staging any bilateral cricket matches against Afghanistan. While consensus has not been reached within the ICC on further international action, the ECB continues to actively advocate for such measures. Will keep. A coordinated, ICC-wide approach would be significantly more effective than unilateral action by individual members. “The ECB is committed to finding a solution that maintains the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan while also considering the broader impact on the Afghan people.”
“We will continue to engage constructively with the UK government, other stakeholders, the ICC and other international cricket boards to explore all possible pathways to meaningful change,” Gould said. After seizing control of Afghanistan in August 2021, women’s participation in sports has been effectively outlawed. It is noteworthy that Australia has opted out of playing several men’s series against Afghanistan in the last few years due to the restrictions imposed on women by the Taliban regime, but both the teams will play together in the 2023 ODI World Cup and 2024 T20 World Cup. Had played against others.
