UK politicians, including Jeremy Corbyn, Nigel Farage, and over 160 members of parliament, have called for a boycott of the Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan.
In a letter addressed to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), they urged the ECB to refuse to play the group match against Afghanistan on February 26.
In response, the ECB stated that they cannot make a unilateral decision to boycott the match against Afghanistan.
The letter further asked the ECB to send a strong message of solidarity with Afghan women, emphasizing that boycotting the match would send a clear message against oppression and intolerance.
ECB CEO Richard Gould expressed that they would support a collective decision made with all member countries, adding that the ECB strongly condemns the treatment of women by the Taliban. Gould also noted that cricket remains a source of hope for many Afghan citizens.
The Champions Trophy will begin on February 19, with the final scheduled for March 9.
