In response to Afghanistan's treatment of women, which includes severe restrictions on women's rights, a group of British lawmakers had previously urged England to boycott the group-stage encounter.

England have decided to play against Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy match in Lahore on February 26, despite calls for a boycott from over 160 British politicians. The ECB believes that a coordinated international approach will be more effective and wants to support ordinary Afghans who gain enjoyment from watching their national team.

The call for a boycott was started by a group of British lawmakers last month, who called on England to skip the Champions Trophy group stage match against Afghanistan. The appeal has been backed by over 160 British politicians and South Africa's Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie.

England will play Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy later this month despite calls from British politicians to boycott the match over the Taliban regime's curtailment of women's rights.