Champions Trophy 2025 is set to kick off in February, but it is already surrounded by significant controversy. Amidst India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, politicians in England and 160 Members of Parliament have demanded a boycott of the match against Afghanistan, citing concerns over the Taliban’s treatment of women.
The call for a boycott comes after more than 160 MPs, including Jeremy Corbyn and Nigel Farage, wrote a letter to the English Cricket Board (ECB), urging them 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. The letter from MPs emphasizes the importance of sending a strong message of solidarity with Afghan women, arguing that a boycott would convey intolerance towards injustice.
ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould reaffirmed that the Board would support decisions made collectively with all member nations, condemning the Taliban’s actions toward women. He also pointed out 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.