Champions Trophy 2025: South Africa Sports Minister Calls For Boycott of Afghanistan Match: South African Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has urged that the national cricket team boycott its Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan on February 21, 2025, in Karachi. This is part of McKenzie’s protest against the Taliban regime that restricts women’s rights. Especially those prohibiting women from sports activities, in Afghanistan.
“As a man who comes from a race that had not been entitled to equal opportunities in sport during Apartheid, it would be hypocritical and immoral to ignore today what happens to women anywhere else in the world,” McKenzie pointed out about South African parallels.
This coincides with the sentiments that have been expressed worldwide. Over 160 British parliamentarians have called on the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). They have called to boycott the August 26 fixture in Lahore against Afghanistan. The ECB has signified its wish for a united front among the International Cricket Council (ICC) member countries about Afghanistan’s participation in international events.
South Africa Sports Minister against Matches of Afghanistan in Champions Trophy 2025
Cricket South Africa (CSA) recognizes the perspective of McKenzie. But asserts that the decisions about international fixtures are under the jurisdiction of the ICC. According to CSA, “As the Champions Trophy is an ICC event, the position on Afghanistan must be guided by the world body by international tournament participation requirements and regulations.”
Moreover, the ICC is said to have stated that it should not penalize the Afghanistan Cricket Board for political reasons. It states, “The ICC will not penalize the ACB or its players for operating under laws that are set by the government of their country.”
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Whatever the only way to return to power in August 2021, the Taliban led the way forward—the turning of women into some purdah. Among its restrictions are education bans, employment bans, and bans on even women participating in sports. Activists say that international sports boycotts might be able to convince the regime to change its ways. Just like many sports sanctions did so about South Africa during apartheid.
With the Champions Trophy just round the corner, however, even as the cricketing world prepares to step aside in participation. It is already facing increased pressure from all factions of international conscience over the fact that these human rights matters are being given priority against the spirit of sportsmanship.
