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Why Are South Africa And England Considering Boycotting Afghanistan?

Jatin

Boycott calls have grown louder against Afghanistan [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com]Boycott calls have grown louder against Afghanistan [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com]

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The Champions Trophy is just around the corner and instead of being a stage for cricket’s finest to shine, it’s now at the centre of a heated debate. Both South Africa and England are facing growing calls to boycott their group matches against Afghanistan.

The reason? Afghanistan’s continued refusal to field a women’s cricket team, thanks to the Taliban government’s ban on women’s sports.

South Africa’s Sports Minister Takes a Stand

South Africa’s sports minister, Gayton McKenzie, didn’t hold back in his criticism. Speaking out on Thursday, he said he felt "morally bound" to support a boycott. McKenzie called out the International Cricket Council (ICC) for not enforcing its own rules, which mandate member nations to develop both men’s and women’s cricket.

“As a man who comes from a race that was denied equal 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 said.



It’s clear he’s not mincing his words, and his stance is resonating with many who believe that cricket, as a sport, has a responsibility to stand up for equality.



England Under Pressure Too

It’s not just South Africa. Over 160 UK politicians have written to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), urging them to boycott their match against Afghanistan on February 26 in Lahore. Even UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has weighed in, demanding the ICC follow its own rules.



Veteran anti-apartheid campaigner Peter Hain has also joined the chorus, calling on Cricket South Africa (CSA) to challenge the Taliban’s ban on women’s cricket.

ICC’s Hands Are Tied

But here’s the catch—the ICC isn’t likely to enforce any sanctions on Afghanistan. The world body, headed by Jay Shah, believes the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is simply following orders from the Taliban regime and has no power to revive women’s cricket in the country.

It is pertinent to mention that the ICC hasn’t interfered when teams have chosen to forfeit matches due to security or other concerns. But this time, the issue is striking a nerve globally, with cricket boards and fans alike demanding action.

Cricket Australia’s Ongoing Boycott

Australia has already taken a stand. They’ve been boycotting bilateral series against Afghanistan and have been pressing the ICC to suspend the ACB. Australia has even given asylum to several women cricketers who once represented Afghanistan.

With all three teams South Africa, England, and Australia paired with Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy, the pressure to take a united stand is mounting.