South Africa’s Sports Minister has echoed public sentiment urging the national cricket team, the Proteas, to withdraw from their upcoming Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan. He has also criticized the International Cricket Council for failing to enforce its own regulations.
On Thursday, Gayton McKenzie expressed his strong belief in the necessity of a boycott, citing the Taliban government’s prohibition of women’s sports and the dissolution of the national women’s cricket team.
“It is not my role as the sports minister to make the ultimate decision regarding South Africa’s participation in cricket matches against Afghanistan. However, if it were up to me, I would certainly oppose it,” McKenzie stated.
“As someone who has experienced the denial of equal sporting opportunities during apartheid, I find it hypocritical and morally unacceptable to ignore the injustices faced by women globally today.”
The Proteas are set to face Afghanistan on February 21 in a group match in Karachi, Pakistan.
Additionally, over 160 politicians in the U.K. have called on England to forfeit their match against Afghanistan scheduled for February 26.
McKenzie expressed concerns regarding the ICC’s perceived hypocrisy in failing to enforce its own mandates that require member nations to promote both men’s and women’s cricket.
He pointed out that Sri Lanka Cricket faced suspension from the ICC from November 2023 to January 2024 due to government interference.
“This situation contrasts with Afghanistan, where political interference in sports administration seems to be overlooked,” McKenzie remarked.
“Cricket South Africa, along with other national federations and the ICC, must carefully consider the message they wish to convey about cricket globally, particularly to women in sports.
“I urge everyone involved in cricket—supporters, players, and administrators alike—to unite in support of the women of Afghanistan.”
