It seems, for now at least, that South Africa will go ahead and play their opening ICC Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan on February 21, despite growing calls for teams to boycott the Taliban-ruled nation at the tournament.
Afghanistan has banned women’s and girl’s cricket in the country since 2021, when the Taliban returned to power.
Afghanistan are in Group B alongside Australia, England and South Africa in the 50-over (ODI) tournament which will be held in Pakistan.
Earlier this week, British politicians called on England to boycott their fixture against Afghanistan.
'In their hands'
"The power lies in the team. The power lies in the people that play the sport. The power lies with them - it's in their hands," Labor MP Tonia Antoniazzi was quoted by the BBC.
"How big is England cricket? It's huge. They have a huge standing in the world of sport and they do have an influence, and I want them to realise that that influence is what they should use to make a difference.”
The International Cricket Council (ICC) states that all Test playing nations should have a women’s team in place and a programme for women’s cricket.
This, however, seemingly hasn’t affected Afghanistan’s eligibility for the Champions Trophy.
Of course South Africa have recently played Afghanistan in the UAE in a three-match ODI series in September.
In the Champions Trophy though, it will be difficult to imagine South Africa boycotting their match against Afghanistan unless Australia and England also agree to not honour their fixture against the Afghans.
Cricket SA (CSA) also said as much in their statement which they released in response to British Member of Parliament Peter Hain who ‘urged South Africa to boycott its fixture against Afghanistan’.
CSA said “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.”
McKenzie urges Proteas' boycott
Meanwhile, SA minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie released a statement on Thursday saying he believes the Proteas should go ahead with the boycott.
McKenzie said: If it was my decision, then it certainly would not happen. 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.
"Cricket South Africa, the federations of other countries and the ICC will have to think carefully about the message the sport of cricket wishes to send the world, and especially the women in sports. I hope that all those involved in cricket, including the supporters, players and administrators, will take a firm stand in solidarity with the women of Afghanistan.”