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Cricket South Africa (CSA) have issued an official statement after a call from the Minister of Sports Gayton McKenzie boycott their match against Afghanistan in the next ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The minister’s defense comes in response to the ongoing suppression of women’s rights by the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, a controversial issue that has sparked debate within the global cricket community.
South African sports minister’s stance on Afghanistan
Minister McKenzie expressed strong moral reservations about playing Afghanistan in parallel with South Africa’s apartheid history, explaining his stance against discrimination in sports. She highlighted the hypocrisy of ignoring the plight of Afghan women while also condemning similar injustices faced by South Africans during apartheid.
“As a man who comes from a race that was not allowed equal access to sporting opportunities during apartheid, it would be hypocritical and immoral to look the other way today when the same is done to women anywhere in the world.” McKenzie said as quoted by TOI.
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CSA responds to minister’s call to boycott Afghanistan
In response, CSA has made it clear that while they recognize the abhorrent treatment of women in Afghanistan, the decision on participation in the Champions Trophy rests with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
“CSA found the treatment and suppression of women’s rights in Afghanistan abhorrent and firmly believes that women’s cricket deserves equal recognition and resources. As the Champions Trophy is an ICC event, the position on Afghanistan should be guided by the world body in accordance with the requirements and regulations of participation in international tournaments.” declared CSA.
Notably, the debate over boycotting Afghanistan in international cricket is not new. Previously, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had faced similar calls from UK politicians, with more than 160 signing a letter urging England to boycott her party in support of women’s rights in Afghanistan. However, the ECB chose not to boycott and instead advocated for an ICC-wide coordinated approach to address the issue more effectively.
Also READ: 15-member Team India squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025: planned
