Johannesburg, January 9, 2025: Following similar movements in Australia and the UK, calls for boycotting Champions Trophy matches against Afghanistan have intensified in South Africa. The push arises from Afghanistan’s Taliban government enforcing strict bans on women’s sports, including the dissolution of its national women’s cricket team.
South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Gayton McKenzie, has publicly backed the demands, urging the Proteas to boycott their scheduled matches against Afghanistan. “I support the public call and urge our team to boycott the match on moral grounds,” McKenzie said on Thursday.
McKenzie criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC) for failing to uphold its mandate, which requires member nations to develop both men’s and women’s cricket. He condemned the Taliban’s policies that severely limit women’s rights, including their exclusion from sports.
“As a matter of principle, I am compelled to support this boycott,” McKenzie stated. However, he clarified that the final decision lies outside his authority. “If it were my choice, I would ensure our team does not play against Afghanistan,” he added.
McKenzie also highlighted the ICC’s perceived double standards, pointing to its suspension of Sri Lanka Cricket between November 2023 and January 2024 due to government interference. “In Afghanistan’s case, the ICC appears to tolerate political interference in sports administration, revealing its hypocrisy,” he noted.
The Champions Trophy schedule has South Africa slated to face Afghanistan on February 21 in Karachi. McKenzie called upon the global cricketing community—players, supporters, and administrators alike—to take a united stand in solidarity with Afghan women.
Earlier this week, over 160 British politicians urged England’s cricket team to boycott their match against Afghanistan, denouncing the Taliban’s oppressive policies against women. Similarly, in Australia, public outcry led the Kangaroos to withdraw from their two scheduled matches against Afghanistan.
Despite these calls for action, no team has officially announced a full boycott of Champions Trophy matches against Afghanistan.
McKenzie reiterated South Africa’s commitment to empowering women in sports, especially cricket, and urged the ICC and other cricketing nations to evaluate their role in advocating for women’s rights. “It’s time for the cricketing world to stand together for justice and equality,” he concluded.
