South Africa sports minister stands firmly to boycott Afghanistan in Champions Trophy 2025

South Africa's sports minister Gayton McKenzie has shown his solidarity against the atrocities that are happening with the women of Afghanistan. Since 2021, Afghanistan has been going through political turmoil due to which the women are suffering. To stand against these atrocities, McKenzie has urged the South African cricket team not to play against Afghanistan in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. 

"I am aware that the ICC, like most international sporting mother bodies, professes not to tolerate political interference in the administration of sport, despite its obvious inconsistency with Afghanistan. "It is not for me as the sports minister to make the final decision on whether South Africa should honour cricketing fixtures against Afghanistan. If it was my decision, then it certainly would not happen," said Gayton McKenzie.

Women in Afghanistan don't have much access to the basic freedom a human gets in their world. They are denied the right to education, speech and expression. Many protests have happened against the suppression of women in Afghanistan, but nothing has changed yet.

However, the Sports Minister's stand seems more like a hypocritical political move considering the inclusion of Afghanistan players in the ongoing SA20 2025. Rashid Khan, the ace all-rounder of Afghanistan, is the captain of the MI Cape Town in the tournament. MI won their first game against Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the opener of SA20 2025. 

Also Read: Former Australian cricketer opines on India not traveling to Pakistan to play Champions Trophy 2025

CSA is committed and will continue to engage in constructive dialogue with the ICC: CSA President

South Africa look committed to standing against Afghanistan ahead of the Champions Trophy 2024. CSA President Rihan Richards also urged the other teams under the ICC to stand against this issue and extend support to the women in Afghanistan.

CSA President Rihan Richards said "We are of the view that a more unified and collective approach from all ICC members will be more impactful. CSA is committed and will continue to engage in constructive dialogue with the ICC and other members to find a solution that upholds women's cricket in Afghanistan and influences meaningful change in that country."