Ollie Pope withdraws from Afghanistan Premier League draft over Taliban treatment of women

England batter Ollie Pope withdrew from the Afghanistan Premier League draft on October 13, 2026, amid concerns over the Taliban’s treatment of women and girls.

England cricket director Rob Key said participation was a personal moral decision, despite the ECB’s refusal to arrange bilateral series with Afghanistan.

Former England batter Dawid Malan remains in the draft, highlighting the conflict between ethical concerns and players’ livelihoods.