Champions Trophy 2025: ECB gives official verdict amid call for Boycotting Afghanistan match

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The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has given their verdict amid calls for boycotting the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 match against Afghanistan.

Recent debates had emerged over whether England should refuse to play Afghanistan in protest against the suppression of women's rights in the country. However, ECB chairman Richard Thompson has emphasized that a coordinated international response would be more effective than unilateral action.

"What is happening in Afghanistan is nothing short of gender apartheid. At a cricketing level, when women's and girls' cricket is growing rapidly around the world, it is heartbreaking that those growing up in Afghanistan are denied this opportunity, but the appalling oppression of women and girls by the Taliban goes so much further," a statement from Thompson via ECB read.

England confirm playing against Afghanistan

Despite the gravity of the situation, the ECB has opted to proceed with the fixture, acknowledging that many ordinary Afghans find solace in their national team's success.

"We have heard that for many ordinary Afghans, watching their cricket team is one of the few remaining sources of enjoyment. As such, we can confirm that we will play this fixture," Thompson said.

While choosing to compete, the ECB has also taken steps to support Afghan women cricketers who have fled their homeland. The board recently donated £100,000 to the Global Refugee Cricket Fund, launched by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and the MCC Foundation. The fund is designed to assist refugee cricketers worldwide, including former members of the Afghanistan Women's Cricket Team.

In addition, the ECB has called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take further measures to support Afghan women in the sport.

England are in Group B of the Champions Trophy 2025 along with Australia, Afghanistan and South Africa. Jos Buttler and co. start their campaign against Australia on February 22, while their match against Afghanistan is on February 26 in Lahore.