After over 160 British politicians wrote to the amidst concerns on Taliban regime's treatment of women, the England board has finally dismissed the calls.

Earlier, over 160 British lawmakers urged the ECB to take a stand against the human rights violation against women in Afghanistan and boycott their fixture.

In an elaborated letter, the lawmakers implored the England cricket team to speak up against Taliban's oppressive policies against women's rights, including ban on education, employment and sports. They called to boycott the match, which is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, February 26 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

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ECB rejects proposal to boycott Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan

However, the England cricket board is not on the same lines as the British parliamentaries. ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould condemned on the issue, while emphasising the need for a unified stance within the International Cricket Council (ICC). "The ECB strongly condemns the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime...The ICC Constitution mandates all member nations to commit to the growth and development of women's cricket,' he stated.

' The ECB has consistently refrained from scheduling bilateral matches with Afghanistan. However, a coordinated, ICC-wide approach would be significantly more impactful than individual actions," Gould further added.

Speaking of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, the tournament is set to kickstart from February 19 in Pakistan. While the hosts, Pakistan have been placed in Group A alongside Bangladesh, India and New Zealand, England have been named in Group B, alongside Afghanistan, South Africa, and Australia. The Three Lions will kickstart their campaign against Australia on February 23 in lahore, followed by a match each against Afghanistan (February 26) and South Africa (March 1).