Mcc foundation

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that England’s men’s team will play their scheduled ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 fixture against Afghanistan, scheduled on February 26 in Lahore, despite growing calls for a boycott due to the severe oppression of women’s rights in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime.

ECB Chair Richard Thompson acknowledged the widespread concerns over gender discrimination in Afghanistan and emphasised the importance of a coordinated international response rather than unilateral action.

There have been increasing calls from various sections, including human rights activists and policymakers, for England to take a stand against Afghanistan’s participation in the Champions Trophy by refusing to play their scheduled match.