Ollie Pope Pulls Out of Afghanistan Premier League Over Taliban's Treatment of Women

Ollie Pope Withdraws from Afghanistan Premier League Draft

England batter Ollie Pope has decided not to participate in the inaugural Afghanistan Premier League (APL), which is set to take place in the United Arab Emirates later this year. This move comes amid growing concerns about the Taliban’s harsh treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan.

Pope was anticipated to be the only centrally contracted England player involved in the draft, but his withdrawal was reportedly a personal choice rather than a directive from England cricket director Rob Key. Players need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to join overseas leagues.

Rob Key Weighs In on Moral Decisions

Speaking on the Test Match Special podcast, Key acknowledged the difficulty of legally preventing players from joining such tournaments. He emphasized that the decision ultimately comes down to each player's moral stance.

"Personally, and it is easy for me to say, I would not go and play. But it is down to the player to make that decision," Key said.

The ECB has chosen not to schedule bilateral series against Afghanistan since the Taliban regained control in 2021. Still, England continues to face Afghanistan in major international competitions like the World Cup and Champions Trophy.

Key also voiced his disapproval of how women are treated under the Taliban regime.

"I don't agree with the way women have been treated in Afghanistan. The way things happen out there is not something I agree with so it is not something I would go and do," he added.

Players Torn Between Ethics and Livelihood

Not all England players share Pope’s decision. Former England batter Dawid Malan remains in the APL draft alongside other notable names such as Moeen Ali, James Vince, and James Rew.

Malan highlighted the difficult position players face balancing moral beliefs and the need to earn a living.

"As a player it is tough because you have what is morally right and what is by the law," Malan explained. "Players often need their cricket boards to take a clear position."

He also questioned why individual players are expected to decide on participation when England continues to compete against Afghanistan in global tournaments.

• Event: Afghanistan Premier League (APL)
• Location: United Arab Emirates
• Scheduled Date: Later in 2026
• Notable English Players in Draft: Dawid Malan, Moeen Ali, James Vince, James Rew
• Player Withdrawn: Ollie Pope
• ECB Policy: No bilateral series against Afghanistan since 2021