Buttler denounces calls for match boycott against Afghanistan

England captain Jos Buttler on Tuesday criticised the demand by UK politicians to boycott the upcoming Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan.

According to details, the tournament, scheduled to commence on 19 February, will primarily take place in Pakistan.  

Speaking in Kolkata ahead of the first T20I against India, Buttler expressed his views on the matter. "Political situations like this, as a player you're trying to be as informed as you can be," stated Buttler.

He voiced optimism for a successful tournament and reaffirmed England’s commitment to participation with enthusiasm and determination.  

The English skipper dismissed the notion that boycotting the match against Afghanistan would address any underlying issues.

England and Afghanistan are set to face each other on 26 February in Lahore.  

The demand for the boycott, which originated in the British Parliament, was previously rejected by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

– Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket –

Afghanistan’s recent performances have demonstrated their excellence in white-ball cricket. During the 2023 World Cup, they outclassed cricketing powerhouses, including England and Pakistan.

Their prowess in the T20I format was further solidified when they secured a semi-final spot in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 held in the Caribbean.  

During their campaign, Afghanistan convincingly defeated top teams such as Australia and New Zealand while also dispatching lesser-known sides like Uganda with precision.  

Afghanistan’s achievements extended beyond limited-overs cricket. They recently clinched a Test series victory against Zimbabwe, cementing their reputation as a formidable force across formats.