Champions Trophy 2025: South African Sports Minister Calls for Boycott of Afghanistan
The challenges for the Afghanistan cricket team seem to be escalating ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. Following calls from English politicians to boycott matches against Afghanistan, South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gaten McKenzie, has now joined the voices urging a boycott. The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Pakistan and Dubai under a hybrid model, starting February 19.
South African Sports Minister’s Boycott Call
Afghanistan is grouped with England and South Africa in Group B of the Champions Trophy. Before McKenzie’s statement, more than 160 British politicians had already urged the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to refuse to play against Afghanistan. Their stance stems from the Taliban’s actions since returning to power in 2021, which have effectively banned women’s participation in sports. This ban violates the International Cricket Council (ICC) rules, yet Afghanistan continues to compete in ICC events.
South Africa is set to face Afghanistan in a Group B match on February 21 in Karachi. McKenzie has urged Cricket South Africa (CSA) to reconsider participating in the game, emphasizing the importance of sending a strong message about women’s rights. He stated, “Cricket South Africa, other national associations, and the ICC need to consider what message they want to send about women’s rights in the game. As the Minister of Sports, I don’t have the power to make the final decision on whether South Africa should play Afghanistan. If it were within my authority, I would have made the decision.”
Cricket South Africa’s Response
Following the sports minister’s remarks, CSA issued a statement clarifying its position. The organization expressed strong disapproval of the treatment and suppression of women’s rights in Afghanistan, emphasizing its belief in equal recognition and resources for women’s cricket. CSA stated, “As the Champions Trophy is an ICC competition, the ICC should guide the situation in Afghanistan in accordance with the requirements and rules of participation in international competitions.”
The debate surrounding Afghanistan’s participation highlights broader concerns about adherence to international standards and the role of sports in promoting equality and human rights.
