The ECB has refused to schedule bilateral cricket with Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in the country in 2021.

Last year, ECB chair Richard Thompson described the Taliban’s oppression of women and girls as “gender apartheid”.

England have, however, continued to play against Afghanistan at global events, including World Cups in both limited-overs formats and the Champions Trophy.

“I don’t agree with the way women have been treated in Afghanistan,” said Key. “The way things happen out there is not something I agree with so it is not something I would go and do.”

Pope has been handed a new 12-month England contract despite not playing international cricket since the third Ashes Test in Australia last December.

He was recalled to the Test squad for the series against Pakistan in the home summer and has stood in as captain on six occasions, including against India at The Oval in 2025.

When asked if he had made his feelings clear to Pope, Key replied: “I had that conversation and Ollie will have to make his decision.”

Before England’s last meeting with Afghanistan, at the 2025 Champions Trophy, Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi led calls for the fixture to be boycotted.

In September, she told BBC Sport: “Why are we here again? Women and girls in Afghanistan are denied the same rights as those in our country, and the women’s team lives in exile,” she said.

“Does that not concern the players, especially those with daughters, sisters or mothers?

“I hope the International Cricket Council (ICC) refuses to sanction this event. Continuing to allow Afghanistan full member status makes a mockery of its own membership criteria.”

Former England batter Dawid Malan is entered into the APL draft, alongside the likes of Moeen Ali, James Vince and James Rew – Somerset’s Rew made his Test debut in June.

“As players we take our guidance from the ICC and the boards,” Malan told the TMS podcast.

“As a player it is tough because you have what is morally right and what is by the law. I have a daughter and I want her to play sport and get into sport and enjoy it. I fully understand the argument, but at the end of the day I am a cricketer and need to be able to pay my rent and be able to earn a living while I can.

“England don’t play bilateral series against Afghanistan, but they do play them in World Cups – what’s the difference? As players, you sometimes want a board decision to be made that says ‘we don’t think this is right, we are making a stance against it’, then the players will buy into it.

“I don’t think anyone agrees with what is happening in Afghanistan, but once something gets approved you sit there as players and say: ‘It’s a job, and I have to play and do what I need to do’, then you’re stuck in a position of what is morally right and what is morally not.”

On Friday, Dean Ahmad, an agent who represents ex-England all-rounder Moeen, wrote on X: “Morality in sport matters, but so does consistency.

“The Taliban’s treatment of women is indefensible. Yet why are cricketers singled out while governments and corporations maintain ties with states accused of serious human rights abuses. Selective outrage isn’t morality.”

Former Port Vale and Gillingham captain Doug Loft has died at the age of 39.

A statement from Gillingham, external said he died following a medical emergency at the weekend.

Loft played 196 times for Vale between 2009 and 2014, after signing from Brighton & Hove Albion, and went on to make 70 appearances for the Gills.

“He will be remembered fondly by everyone at the club, not only for his achievements on the pitch but for the commitment and leadership he showed throughout his time in Burslem,” a Port Vale statement said, external.

“The thoughts and heartfelt condolences of everyone at Port Vale are with Doug’s family, friends, former team-mates and all those who knew him, at this incredibly sad time.

“With the blessing of Doug’s family, we have requested permission from the EFL for our players to wear black armbands and to hold a minute’s silence ahead of kick off at this weekend’s game against Chesterfield.”

Loft emerged at non-League Hastings United and signed for Brighton in January 2006, just after his 20th birthday.

He played three times in the Championship, scoring once, and made 46 further appearances for the Seagulls in League One.

After joining Port Vale, Loft was named the club’s player of the season for 2011-12, and was appointed captain, leading the club to promotion from League Two.

He was signed by Gillingham in 2014 and also made captain.

Loft spent two seasons in League One at Priestfield.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with Doug’s wife Laura, their children Freya and Amelie, along with his friends and family at this very difficult time,” the Gillingham statement said.

Loft also had spells at Colchester United, Shrewsbury Town, Dagenham & Redbridge, Billericay Town and Tonbridge Angels.