While there were some indications that Afghanistan’s preparations might not be up to standard by this year, which is a potentially important subject, due to the discriminatory practices established by the Taliban, England T20I captain Jos Buttler opined that ‘boycotting Afghanistan doesn’t seem a way to go forward.’ He argued that he is get information and ‘lef[t] it all up to the experts’ for the final verdict to come up.
In addition, England’s clash with Afghanistan is scheduled for 26 of February in Lahore. This debate storm has reached the English parliament, literally, as the storey is described by Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi.
Some interviews elaborate on how English cricketers are feeling the pressure following the accusation, claiming that women appear to suffer more in Taliban-run Afghanistan, where cricket, a game meant for everyone to play since 2021, has all but banned such females. This MP also took very firm steps like looking at cricket’s future in the respective country.
“If that’s where it falls, as a player you’re trying to do as much as possible to know what’s happening,” said Buttler. “The people that know the most are the experts, really, so I have been trying to keep in touch with Rob Key at the top within the game and how they see things. I still think I don’t believe in a forced boycott as a way to go about.”
“There’s not much bothered the players,” said the captain. “These things, you try to educate yourself and read up on these things. There have been some good pieces written about it that I have tapped into, and I have spoken with quite a few people to try to gather expert opinion.”
“What factually happens is experts leading it, but as a player I do not want politics to engulf sports. We hope to have a much better tournament and to go to the Champions Trophy and play that game.”
The combined effort through the ICC to address Antoniazzi’s plea was rejected by Goud. In addition, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed it and left the ball in the ICC’s court likewise.
This would take place as England travel to India to play the five T20I and three ODIs. The first T20I will be played at Eden Gardens on Wednesday (January 21). After that, England will begin its Champions Trophy campaign with Australia on February 22
