The harsh treatment of women in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan has drawn sharp condemnation and outrage from various pockets of the world. Western nations have largely been vocal about this sensitive topic and have consistently highlighted this grave issue time and again on a global scale. This also includes England as well and there are countless voices within the country who have urged the national cricketing body to boycott England's match against Afghanistan in the upcoming Champions Trophy which is scheduled to take place on February 26.

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Plea to boycott England's upcoming CT 2025 fixture with Afghanistan 

It is reported that as many as 160 politicians have reached out to the ECB in writing advising them to boycott the fixture. Moreover, they also urged the management to speak up on the atrocities that are being committed against women in Afghanistan and not turn a blind eye to the horrendous crimes that are being committed by the brutal Taliban regime. 

"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."

Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi also echoed the same sentiments and wrote to the ECB chief executive Richard Gould about standing up for the Afghan women and advised the ECB to deliver a powerful message to the Taliban government. 

"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."

ECB denies calls to boycott Afghanistan game

In response to growing discontent among several politicians in the UK, the ECB chief recognized the issue and strongly expressed his concerns about women's rights in Afghanistan. But at the same time, he refrained from the possibility of boycotting England's match with Afghanistan as he expects a uniform approach from all member nations rather than acting solo.

"ECB strongly condemns the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime. 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."

ICC expects all full member nations to make adequate provisions for the growth and development of women's cricket in its own jurisdiction. But since that requirement has not been met by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), the ECB has distanced itself from scheduling bilateral events with them for the foreseeable future. However, the two teams will continue to face each other in ICC events.

England is not the only member nation to voice their concerns over Afghinstan's gross women's rights issue. Australia have also withdrawn from playing several men's series against Afghanistan in the last couple of years because of the Taliban regime's harsh treatment of women.