South Africa’s sports minister has joined the growing call for a boycott of Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy scheduled in Pakistan. This comes as British politicians continue pressuring England not to play Afghanistan next month.
Both England and South Africa are in the same group as Afghanistan in the competition. They face mounting demands to withdraw from matches in protest of the Taliban government’s harsh measures against women’s rights since taking power in August 2021.
South Africa is set to open its Champions Trophy campaign against Afghanistan in Karachi on February 21. However, Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has urged Cricket South Africa to reconsider honoring the fixture.
McKenzie stated, “Cricket South Africa, federations of other nations, and the ICC must carefully reflect on the message cricket wishes to send, especially to women in sports.” He clarified that while the decision lies with the cricketing body, he personally would not support the match.
“As someone from a race denied equal sporting opportunities during apartheid, it would be hypocritical and immoral to ignore similar discrimination against women today,” McKenzie added.
Peter Hain, a former British cabinet minister and anti-apartheid activist, has also joined the protest. Hain wrote to Cricket South Africa, urging them to oppose Afghanistan’s ban on women’s and girls’ cricket. Meanwhile, over 160 British politicians have signed a letter to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), advocating for England to skip their game against Afghanistan in Lahore on February 26.
ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould responded by stressing the need for a unified global approach toward Afghanistan’s participation in international cricket. Cricket South Africa has yet to issue a public comment on the matter.
Australia, another team scheduled to play Afghanistan in Lahore on February 26, has faced similar criticism. Last March, Cricket Australia postponed a bilateral T20 series against Afghanistan, citing worsening human rights for women under Taliban rule. Yet, Australia played Afghanistan during the 2023 World Cup in India and the T20 World Cup in June 2024.
Cricket Australia Chairman Mike Baird defended their stance, stating, “We’re proud of the position we’ve taken,” despite accusations of inconsistency. He emphasized their commitment to standing up for what they believe is right.
As the Champions Trophy approaches, the debate over Afghanistan’s participation continues to highlight the intersection of sports and human rights.
