South Africa’s Sports Minister Speaks Out Against Afghanistan’s Participation in Champions Trophy
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- Gayton McKenzie criticized Afghanistan’s inclusion in the ICC Champions Trophy due to their ban on women’s cricket.
- International leaders and activists have called for the ICC to enforce its own rules, requiring national women’s cricket teams for Test-playing nations.
- While the ICC defends the ACB, several cricket boards, including the ECB and Cricket Australia, have refused bilateral engagements with Afghanistan.
South Africa’s Stand on Afghanistan’s Inclusion
South Africa’s sports minister, Gayton McKenzie, criticized Afghanistan’s participation in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. He compared the Taliban’s treatment of women to the Apartheid era in South Africa. McKenzie described Afghanistan’s inclusion as “hypocritical and immoral” due to the lack of women’s cricket in the country under Taliban rule.
South Africa is scheduled to play Afghanistan in the tournament’s opening match on February 21 in Karachi. McKenzie expressed strong opposition, stating that he would have rejected Afghanistan’s participation if it were his decision. His remarks align with growing international criticism, including calls for action from political figures in the UK.
International Reactions to Afghanistan’s Inclusion
Political Pressure in the UK
A group of 160 British politicians urged the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to boycott their match against Afghanistan, set for February 26 in Lahore. The UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, also voiced his opinion, urging the ICC to uphold their rules. According to ICC regulations, Test-playing nations must have a national women’s cricket team.
Anti-Apartheid Activist Peter Hain
Prominent anti-apartheid activist Peter Hain criticized Afghanistan’s participation. He highlighted the Taliban’s ban on women and girls’ cricket, which has been enforced since 2021. Hain wrote to Cricket South Africa (CSA), emphasizing the ethical concerns surrounding Afghanistan’s inclusion.
Cricket South Africa’s Position
CSA acknowledged Peter Hain’s concerns but stated that decisions on Afghanistan’s participation must follow ICC regulations. In a statement, CSA said the Champions Trophy is an ICC event and that any action should align with international tournament requirements.
CSA also referenced their prior engagements with Afghanistan, including a bilateral ODI series in the UAE. They justified these matches, stating that Afghan players should not face “secondary persecution” for their government’s policies.
ICC’s Defense of Afghanistan Cricket Board
The ICC clarified that it would not penalize the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) for following national laws. An ICC spokesperson highlighted their continued efforts to develop cricket in Afghanistan for both men and women. However, critics argue that this stance undermines ICC rules regarding women’s cricket development.
Boycotts and Bilateral Relations
The ECB and Cricket Australia have refused to engage Afghanistan in bilateral matches. Earlier this year, Cricket Australia indefinitely postponed a T20 series against Afghanistan. These actions reflect widespread disapproval of Afghanistan’s failure to promote women’s cricket.
In contrast, South Africa participated in a three-match ODI series with Afghanistan in September 2023. CSA defended the series, emphasizing its commitment to fairness in sports, regardless of political situations.