International cricket bosses have no plans to ban Afghanistan from Champions Trophy

Amid calls from some politicians to boycott Afghanistan’s men from the Champions Trophy due to restrictions on women, British media outlet Sky News has reported that world cricket bosses have no such plans.

More than 160 British parliamentarians have called on the country’s team not to play Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to begin on February 19.

And those boycott calls were backed by South Africa sports minister Gayton McKenzie with his country also scheduled to play Afghanistan in the same group as England.

But Cricket South Africa responded by saying: “The position on Afghanistan must be guided by the world body in accordance with international tournament participation requirements and regulations.”

Sky News reported that the ICC intends to try to ultimately influence the Islamic Emirate to allow women’s cricket – using sport to deliver change – rather than penalising Afghanistan.

The ICC is understood to have adopted a view privately that male players should not be punished for the Afghanistan government’s policies, believing its member association cannot control the IEA’s position.

The ICC has an Afghanistan group examining the situation in an attempt to use the country’s most popular sport to encourage a restoration of women’s rights.

An ICC spokesperson told Sky News: “The ICC remains closely engaged with the situation in Afghanistan and continues to collaborate with our members.

“We are committed to leveraging our influence constructively to support the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) in fostering cricket development and ensuring playing opportunities for both men and women in Afghanistan.

“The ICC has established an Afghanistan Cricket Task Force, chaired by deputy chairman Mr Imran Khwaja, who will lead the ongoing dialogue on this matter.”