ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Afghanistan issue official statement on calls for England to boycott the match

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has addressed the growing calls for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match between England and Afghanistan to be boycotted. The ACB emphasized that political matters should be resolved through diplomatic means and must not interfere with cricket or any other sport.

Last month, a group of over 160 British lawmakers urged the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to boycott the match against Afghanistan in Lahore on February 26. The calls for a boycott came due to Afghanistan’s ban on women participating in sports since the Taliban regained power in 2021.

South African Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie also agreed on a boycott against Afghanistan. ECB chief executive Richard Gould criticized the Taliban's treatment of women and the disbanding of Afghanistan’s women’s cricket team but confirmed England will play the match in the marquee tournament.

We Welcome the Statement from the England Cricket Board - Naseeb Khan

Speaking to Cricbuzz, ACB chief executive Naseeb Khan said that the ECB will not boycott Afghanistan’s match despite pressure to do so. He welcomed the ECB’s decision, adding that Afghanistan wants to compete against full-member nations in major tournaments and bilateral series.

"We welcome the statement from the England Cricket Board. Our goal has always been to compete against full-member nations not only in ICC and major tournaments but also in bilateral events as well. We have operated under challenging circumstances, yet our progress would not have been possible without the unwavering support of member countries, the ICC, and the ACC," Naseeb told Cricbuzz.

Political Matters Should Be Resolved Through Diplomatic Channels - Naseeb Khan

Naseeb Khan said that political issues should be resolved through diplomatic channels, not on the cricket field. He also highlighted that cricket is a vital source of joy and unity for the Afghan people, especially after enduring years of hardship.

"We firmly believe that political matters should be resolved through diplomatic channels or on table not in cricket ground and must be kept separate from sports. As a cricket board, our jurisdiction is limited to the game itself, just as it is for other cricket boards worldwide. The Afghan nation has the right to cherish and celebrate cricket as a source of joy and unity after years of hardship," he added.

Afghanistan Cricket Has Grown Despite War and Challenges - Naseeb Khan

The ACB chief executive said that the Afghanistan Cricket Board is fully focused on the Champions Trophy. He highlighted Afghan cricket's growth, including qualifying for the Champions Trophy by defeating top teams, despite the challenges of war.

"Afghan cricket has grown despite war and challenges, bringing hope and unity to our nation. It has always been a source of pride for our people. Despite the challenges, we have focused on developing cricket and ensuring our team performs at its best. Our success in 2023 and 2024, including qualifying for the Champions Trophy by defeating top teams, reflects our progress," he said.

Afghanistan secured their first-ever victory over England in any format during the 2023 World Cup in Delhi. Afghanistan, along with Australia, England, and South Africa, are in Group B for the upcoming Champions Trophy, which will commence on February 19.

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