English cricketers withdraw from Afghanistan Premier League draft

English cricketers Ollie Pope, David Willey, and Will Smeed have withdrawn their names from the upcoming Afghanistan Premier League (APL) draft. The decision follows growing controversy regarding the treatment of women under the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has previously declined to participate in bilateral series with Afghanistan due to human rights concerns, though teams from both nations still compete in international tournaments. While the ECB faced legal complexities regarding its ability to prevent players from participating in private leagues, the board's leadership has emphasized the importance of ethical considerations.

ECB Men’s Managing Director Rob Key noted that while it is legally difficult to restrict players, they must be prepared to take an ethical stand. While Pope and others have withdrawn, player David Malan remains registered in the draft, citing guidance from the ICC and the ECB.