Cricket South Africa (CSA) has officially responded to Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie’s call for a boycott of their match against Afghanistan in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan. While acknowledging the serious concerns over the treatment of women in Afghanistan, CSA clarified that participation in the Champions Trophy is determined by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and not by individual cricket boards.
Acknowledgment of Women’s Rights Issues
In its statement, CSA condemned the treatment of women in Afghanistan, describing it as deplorable. The board emphasized its firm belief in equal recognition and resources for women in cricket. However, CSA pointed out that decisions regarding Afghanistan’s participation in international tournaments fall under ICC’s jurisdiction, given the Champions Trophy is an ICC event.
Support for a Unified Approach
CSA highlighted the need for a unified approach, noting that the international community should be guided by the ICC’s stance on Afghanistan’s participation in global events. This response comes after the Sports Minister joined voices with British politicians, calling for a boycott to protest the Taliban regime’s restrictions on women’s rights in Afghanistan.
Minister McKenzie’s Stance
Minister McKenzie expressed support for the boycott, aligning with British MPs who had urged the England cricket team to avoid playing against Afghanistan in the tournament. He emphasized the importance of sending a clear message through the sport regarding the treatment of women globally. However, he acknowledged that the final decision lies with the cricketing authorities, not his office.
England Cricket Board’s Position
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has rejected similar calls for a boycott. ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould stressed the need for a coordinated response led by the ICC rather than unilateral actions by individual countries. He confirmed that while the ECB does not plan bilateral series with Afghanistan under the current Taliban regime, participation in ICC events is governed by the collective decisions of the global cricket body.
Background and Timeline
The ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to begin on February 19, 2025, with the final match set for March 9. England is slated to face Afghanistan in Lahore on February 26. Despite the calls for a boycott, both CSA and ECB have reaffirmed their commitment to adhering to the ICC’s guidelines on participation in the tournament.
