England captain Jos Buttler has spoken out against calls to boycott Afghanistan in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, describing the move as “not the way to go.” The match, scheduled for February 26 in Lahore, has faced political scrutiny amid concerns over women’s rights in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime.
The Controversy: Why the Boycott Was Proposed
The boycott call was spearheaded by British MP Tonia Antoniazzi and supported by over 160 politicians, citing Afghanistan’s ban on women’s sports since 2021. The letter urged England’s men’s team to take a stand against the “sex apartheid” affecting millions of Afghan women under Taliban rule.
Antoniazzi argued that a boycott would send a strong message about England’s stance on human rights, stating:
“A boycott would signal that such grotesque abuses will not be tolerated.”
However, both UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Lisa Nandy, the culture secretary, have supported the ECB’s decision to avoid unilateral action, emphasizing the need for an ICC-led response.
Jos Buttler’s Stance on the Boycott
Speaking in Kolkata before England’s T20I series against India, Buttler said his team would rely on advice from experts and avoid mixing politics with sport.
“As players, you’re trying to be as informed as you can be. The experts know a lot more about it. I don’t think a boycott is the way to go,” Buttler explained.
Drawing comparisons to England’s controversial decision to forfeit their World Cup match against Zimbabwe in 2003, Buttler expressed confidence that the players wouldn’t face individual pressure to boycott this time.
Why Experts Say Boycotts May Backfire
Critics of the boycott argue that such measures can be counterproductive, isolating Afghan cricket and further limiting opportunities for dialogue and influence. Buttler echoed this sentiment, stating:
“We hope to go to the Champions Trophy, play that game, and have a really good tournament.”
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has emphasized the importance of a unified global response led by the ICC rather than individual countries taking a stand.
What Happens Next?
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to begin in Lahore, will bring this issue to the forefront. As debates continue, England’s players are focusing on their preparation, while leaving political decisions to governing bodies and experts.
FAQs
Q: Why is there a call to boycott Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy?
A: The boycott stems from Afghanistan’s ban on women’s participation in sports under the Taliban regime, which has sparked widespread criticism.
Q: What is Jos Buttler’s view on the boycott?
A: Buttler believes a boycott is not the right approach and emphasizes the role of experts in handling such political matters.
Q: What is the stance of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)?
A: The ECB has rejected the boycott call, advocating for a unified, ICC-led response to address concerns about Afghanistan.
Q: When is England scheduled to play Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy?
A: The match is set for February 26, 2025, in Lahore.
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