England batter Ollie Pope withdraws from the draft for the Afghanistan Premier League, with his decision linked to concerns about the Taliban’s treatment of women and girls. The BBC and other outlets report that Pope opts not to take part in the tournament.
ESPN Cricinfo adds that Pope’s withdrawal comes alongside other England players, including Will Smeed and David Willey, who also pull out of the draft. The Times of India reports that England’s cricket leadership frames the decision as personal, while noting broader tensions around engagement with Afghanistan. It also states that England’s governing body, the ECB, does not arrange bilateral series with Afghanistan. The reports highlight the differing pressures facing players, where ethical concerns about rights and treatment of women can conflict with cricketing opportunities and pay.
Across coverage, Pope’s move is presented as a protest or moral stance rather than a change in official policy, and it leaves at least some England representation in the draft, with Dawid Malan mentioned as continuing to be considered.
