South Africa’s sports minister, Gayton McKenzie, has called for the national men’s cricket team to boycott their Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan next month in Pakistan, urging solidarity with Afghan women facing severe oppression under Taliban rule.
McKenzie emphasized his moral obligation to support the public outcry for a boycott, despite Afghanistan's troubled history. “If it were my decision, South Africa would not participate in this fixture,” McKenzie said, adding that it would be hypocritical to ignore gender-based discrimination given South Africa’s own history of racial exclusion under apartheid.
The call aligns with an open letter from anti-apartheid activist and UK politician Peter Hain, published by Daily Maverick. Hain highlighted the Taliban’s systematic removal of Afghan women’s rights, from banning education and healthcare to restricting basic freedoms like travel and visibility in public. He urged Cricket South Africa (CSA) to push the ICC to address the plight of Afghan women cricketers.
CSA responded with a statement condemning Afghanistan’s treatment of women but clarified that decisions regarding participation in ICC events are governed by international tournament regulations. CSA President Rihan Richards advocated for a unified ICC stance, saying, “A collective approach from all members will be more impactful.”
Critics, including the NGO Lawyers for Human Rights, argue that continuing to play against Afghanistan effectively endorses the Taliban’s repressive regime. The issue is particularly sensitive as South Africa faced similar criticism during an ODI series against Afghanistan in Sharjah last year.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan cricket has made notable strides, with players like Rashid Khan crediting international league exposure for their growth. Khan, participating in South Africa’s SA20 league, remarked, “Opportunities to play with global superstars have been instrumental in Afghanistan’s cricketing success.”
South Africa is set to face Afghanistan in their Champions Trophy opener on February 21 in Karachi. The debate mirrors broader calls for action, with over 160 UK politicians urging England to boycott their match against Afghanistan on February 26. Australia has already adopted a policy of avoiding bilateral fixtures with Afghanistan while competing against them in tournaments.
The controversy underscores the tension between sports as a global unifier and a platform for human rights advocacy. As the Champions Trophy approaches, the cricketing world remains divided on how to address Afghanistan’s ongoing crisis.
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