Tensions were on a rise between England and Afghanistan following which it was speculated that the teams will not be playing against each other in Champions Trophy 2025. But now the final verdict is here and fate of both the teams whether they’ll be playing against each other or not is finally decided.
Boycott Calls For Afghanistan Vs England Match
Last month the British lawmakers had urged England to boycott the match against Afghanistan in Champions Trophy 2025. The match between the two countries will be held in Lahore on Friday, February 26. South Africa sports Minister Gayton McKenzie also agreed with calls for boycott. Afghanistan contracted 25 women players in 2020, but most of them are now in exile in Australia after takeover by Taliban in August 2021.
England Will Play Against Afghanistan
ECB chair Richard Thompson said that they will play the match after discussions with the government.
“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,” Thompson said in a statement.
“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.”
