Pope pulls out of controversial Afghanistan T20 league

England batter Ollie Pope has pulled out of the draft for the inaugural Afghanistan Premier League. Pope was set to be the only centrally contracted England player involved in the competition, which is scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates later this year. His decision to withdraw was made independently, despite requiring approval from the England and Wales Cricket Board to participate.

ECB director of cricket Rob Key stated that he personally would not participate due to the treatment of women in Afghanistan, though he noted it is legally difficult to prevent players from entering. Other English players, including Dawid Malan, Moeen Ali, James Vince, and James Rew, remain entered in the upcoming draft.