Jos Buttler addresses calls to call off match against Afghanistan in ICC Champions League 2025
of ICC Champions Trophy 2025The popular international cricket tournament is scheduled to be held from February 19 to March 9, 2025 in a hybrid format. Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. However, the event caused a lot of controversy due to the ongoing political situation AfghanistanEspecially the Taliban’s oppressive stance on women’s rights. England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) In the year February 26, 2025 British lawmakers are urged to reconsider their participation in the match against Afghanistan. This request follows the Taliban’s strict restrictions on women’s sports and public life.
The influence of the Taliban on Afghanistan cricket
In the year After the Taliban took power in Afghanistan in 2021, the regime implemented laws that prevented women from participating in sports or public life. These actions have drawn strong condemnation, including from international organizations. International Cricket Council (ICC). of Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) He has come under scrutiny for failing to comply with ICC rules that require women to be included in cricket development programmes. As such, the participation of the Afghan national team in international competitions such as the Champions Trophy has become a subject of heated debate.
Jos Buttler’s response to the boycott call
Considering the ongoing political pressure, the England captain. If ButtlerHe expressed his position on the matter. Speaking candidly, Butler acknowledged the complexities of the situation but emphasized that as a player, he tries to learn about political situations but relies on experts for more knowledge. He has been in contact with the ECB’s men’s managing director Rob Key and others at the ECB to understand their views, and believes that a boycott is not the right approach.
“Political situations like this, as a player you’re trying to get as much information as you can,” Butler said. “The experts know a lot about it, so I’m trying to talk to Rob Key and the people at the top to see how they see it. I don’t think a boycott can go this way.Butler told the reporter beforehand. T20I against India.
Also Read: India clinch historic win over England to seal PD Champions Trophy 2025
Players were focused on the game, not politics.
Butler noted that the players were not overly concerned about politics and focused on educating themselves. He read valuable materials and consulted experts for their opinions. The players stated that they do not want politics to influence sports and expressed their hope that there will be a successful Champions Cup tournament.
“The players weren’t too worried about it. You are trying to educate yourself and read up on these things. There were some good things I wrote about it and I spoke to quite a few people to try and gather expert opinions. As a player, you don’t want political situations to affect sports. We hope to go to the championship cup and play that game and have a good competitionHe added.