Will England boycott Afghanistan game at ICC Champions Trophy 2025? ECB gives final verdict

England are scheduled to face Afghanistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on February 26.

The ICC Champions Trophy is set to make its long-awaited return after eight years. However, the tournament has not been without controversies, as the BCCI, PCB, and ICC first held prolonged discussions to come to terms with the hybrid model.

The latest addition to the drama has been the pressure on the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to pull out of their game against Afghanistan due to restrictions on women’s cricket in Afghanistan.

Earlier, more than 160 British politicians had urged England to boycott their match against Afghanistan, which is scheduled to be played in Lahore on February 26.

The ECB has now provided an update regarding their fixture against Afghanistan.

Richard Thompson, the ECB chairman, stated that the board has been in talks with various stakeholders, including the ICC, to discuss the matter.

Thompson said, “The Board recognises there are different views and opinions on the issue of boycotting the match and has listened carefully. We have been in close contact with the Government, the International Cricket Council (ICC), our England Men’s players and other stakeholders to discuss this matter.“

Will England boycott Afghanistan game at ICC Champions Trophy 2025? ECB gives final verdict

The ECB chairman has confirmed that England will play their fixture against Afghanistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He also noted that a joint response with other cricket boards would be better than a unilateral decision to skip the match.

Thompson added, “Following this, we remain of the view that a coordinated international response by the cricketing community is the appropriate way forward, and will achieve more than any unilateral action by the ECB in boycotting this match.“

“While we have also 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.“

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