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A Labour MP and Amnesty International have urged English players to reconsider a proposed Afghan T20 tournament over the treatment of women and girls.
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Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi has urged English cricketers considering the Afghanistan Premier League to think carefully about taking part. Speaking to BBC Sport in comments reported on 30 September 2026, she asked them to consider the position of Afghan women and girls, including what participation would mean to their own daughters, sisters or mothers. She also said she hoped the International Cricket Council (ICC) would refuse to sanction the tournament. [1]
Seven English players — Ollie Pope, Luke Wood, Moeen Ali, Reece Topley, James Vince, Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Laurie Evans — have registered for the October draft. Registration does not mean they have been selected or agreed to play. The inaugural five-team competition is scheduled to begin in the United Arab Emirates on 27 December. [1]
Felix Jakens of Amnesty International also urged prospective players and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to consider the message participation would send to Afghan girls. He said Afghan women had been banned from sport since 2021 and girls remained barred from education beyond the age of 11. [1]
The ECB refuses to schedule bilateral men’s matches against Afghanistan, but BBC Sport understands that policy does not extend to franchise cricket. The Afghanistan Cricket Board’s application for ICC approval of the league was still under consideration on 30 September; BBC Sport reported that ECB clearance for players was likely only if the event was sanctioned. [1]
1 listed sources · explore evidence, limitations and provenance.
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