South Africa's sports minister Gayton McKenzie has called for the national cricket team to boycott their upcoming Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan in Pakistan, citing solidarity with Afghan women facing severe repression under Taliban rule.
In a statement, McKenzie expressed moral support for a boycott, highlighting the parallels between apartheid-era racial discrimination and the current denial of basic rights to Afghan women. He emphasized that such a stance aligns with South Africa's historical commitment to justice and equality.
"It would be hypocritical and immoral to look the other way when women anywhere in the world face such oppression," McKenzie said, though he acknowledged the final decision rests with Cricket South Africa (CSA).
The call for action follows a public letter from Peter Hain, a South African-born anti-apartheid activist and UK House of Lords member, who urged CSA to raise the issue with the International Cricket Council (ICC). Hain detailed the extensive restrictions imposed on Afghan women, from bans on education and healthcare to exclusion from public life.
CSA responded with a statement condemning the suppression of women's rights in Afghanistan but noted that Afghanistan's participation in ICC events must adhere to international regulations. CSA President Rihan Richards emphasized the need for a collective approach among ICC members to effect meaningful change in Afghanistan.
This is not the first time South Africa has faced criticism for engaging with Afghan cricket under the Taliban regime. However, CSA maintains that targeting players and administrators for their government's actions is unjust, arguing that cricket can serve as a platform for advocacy.
The debate gains further complexity as the SA20 league in South Africa currently features seven Afghan players, including Rashid Khan, who highlighted the growth of Afghanistan cricket through international participation.
South Africa is scheduled to play Afghanistan in Karachi on February 21, amidst growing international calls, including from 160 UK politicians, for boycotts of matches against Afghanistan. Australia has already adopted a policy of avoiding bilateral fixtures with Afghanistan while competing against them in ICC events.
