South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, is making waves by urging the national men’s cricket team to skip their next ICC Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan. Why? He wants to take a stand in support of Afghan women, who’ve had their rights stripped away under Taliban rule.
McKenzie’s Moral Stance
In a public statement, McKenzie said he feels a deep moral responsibility to speak out against the way Afghan women are being treated. He recognised that Afghanistan’s history is complicated, but he stressed the importance of raising awareness about the ongoing situation.
“Public support for a boycott is a position that I feel morally bound to support, despite the deep complications of Afghanistan’s recent and tragic history,” McKenzie said.
Criticism of the ICC’s Stance
McKenzie highlighted the inconsistency in the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) stance against political interference in sports, particularly in Afghanistan’s case. He stressed that while the decision ultimately lies with cricket authorities, he personally opposes playing against Afghanistan under the current circumstances.
“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,” he added.
Drawing Parallels with South Africa’s Apartheid Era
McKenzie made a powerful connection to South Africa’s own past under apartheid, stressing how important it is to take a stand against any form of discrimination. He highlighted the double standard of turning a blind eye to the suffering of Afghan women while, at the same time, condemning the injustices South Africans endured in their own fight for freedom.
“As a man who comes from a race that was not allowed equal access to sporting opportunities during apartheid, it would be hypocritical and immoral to look the other way today when the same is being done towards women anywhere in the world,” McKenzie stated.
Support from Anti-Apartheid Activists
South African-born anti-apartheid activist and UK House of Lords member Peter Hain also joined the conversation. In an open letter to Cricket South Africa (CSA) Chief Executive Pholetsi Moseki, Hain highlighted the Taliban’s escalating restrictions on Afghan women’s rights.
“Sport was only the first joy to be removed from women in Afghanistan, and since then the Taliban have removed their most basic human rights and freedoms on a prolific scale,” Hain wrote.
Hain laid out the grim reality Afghan women are facing — they’re banned from going to school, working, accessing healthcare, and even from basic rights like freedom of movement and speech. He called on Cricket South Africa (CSA) to push the ICC to address these serious human rights violations.
“Will South African cricket please raise the plight of Afghan women cricketers in the ICC and express firm solidarity with Afghan women and girls who wish to play?”
CSA’s Response
Cricket South Africa (CSA) responded by strongly criticizing the persistent violations of women’s rights in Afghanistan. The organization underlined its pledge to support gender fairness in sports and highlighted its long-standing backing of women’s cricket in South Africa to demonstrate that promise in action.
“CSA found the treatment and suppression of women’s rights in Afghanistan abhorrent and firmly believes that women’s cricket deserves equal recognition and resources,” the statement read.
However, CSA clarified that their stance on Afghanistan’s participation in the Champions Trophy would be guided by the ICC’s regulations.
“As the Champions Trophy is an ICC event, the position on Afghanistan must be guided by the world body in accordance with international tournament participation requirements and regulations.”
Calls for a Unified Approach
CSA President Rihan Richards stressed that tackling this issue requires a united front from all ICC member countries. He highlighted the importance of collective action to bring about real change.
“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.”
Ongoing Boycott Discussions
McKenzie’s call for a boycott comes as several Afghan players participate in the ongoing SA20 league. Afghan cricketer Rashid Khan, captain of MI Cape Town, highlighted the benefits of Afghan players participating in international leagues, which have helped elevate Afghanistan’s cricketing standards.
“Since our players have been playing in the [T20] leagues, Afghanistan cricket has benefitted. We got to the semi-finals of the [2024] T20 World Cup. Ten years before that, I don’t think anybody would have thought Afghanistan would get to the semi-finals,” Rashid said.
The boycott demand mirrors the stance of more than 160 UK lawmakers who’ve asked England to pull out of their match against Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy. Meanwhile, Australia has stuck to its policy of avoiding direct series with Afghanistan but continues to compete against them in ICC events.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram and Instagram
