The ECB has decided not to boycott the Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan despite concerns about the Taliban’s treatment of women. ECB Chair Richard Thompson stated that a coordinated international approach is preferable. The board has committed funding to support Afghani women cricketers and recognizes the hard realities facing them.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that England will participate in their Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan later this month, deciding against a boycott despite previous calls from some British lawmakers. These lawmakers voiced concerns regarding the Taliban’s oppressive policies towards women, registering their discontent as the match is set for February 26 in Lahore. South African Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie also expressed support for this boycott proposal.
Despite the outcry, ECB Chair Richard Thompson articulated that following discussions with government officials, the International Cricket Council (ICC), and players, they concluded that international cricket’s response to the situation should be unified rather than individually influenced through boycotts. He emphasized that boycotting the match would not contribute effectively to resolving the urgent issues in Afghanistan.
Richard Thompson further mentioned that many ordinary Afghans find joy in supporting their national cricket team, which has become increasingly rare. He reiterated their commitment, stating, “We remain of the view that a co-ordinated international response by the cricketing community is the appropriate way forward.” Furthermore, he conveyed the ECB’s financial support of £100,000 to help Afghanistan’s exiled women cricketers and called for additional significant financial actions from the ICC.
Thompson expressed a desire for the ICC to acknowledge an Afghanistan women’s refugee team, highlighting the need to promote opportunities for displaced Afghan women in various roles within cricket, such as coaching and administration. He denounced the situation in Afghanistan as “nothing short of gender apartheid,” criticizing the denial of opportunities for women and girls in a time when cricket is flourishing globally.
The topic centers on the controversy surrounding England’s planned participation in a Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan, scheduled for February 26, 2023, in Lahore. Recent developments reveal a significant concern for the state of women’s rights in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, prompting calls for a boycott from British lawmakers as well as a response from the ECB that addresses both the geopolitical and humanitarian aspects of cricketing engagements.
In summary, England’s cricket board has chosen to proceed with the scheduled match against Afghanistan, emphasizing the need for collective international action rather than unilateral decisions like boycotting. The ECB remains committed to supporting Afghan women’s cricket initiatives, and it holds the belief that engagement through international platforms offers greater potential for positive change than withdrawal from the game. This decision underlines the complex intersection of sports and socio-political realities, where cricket can serve as a form of hope and unity for many.
Original Source: dunyanews.tv
