By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) is calling for a “unified and collective approach” for action against Afghanistan following calls to boycott next month’s Champions Trophy match.
South Africa are scheduled to begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Afghanistan on 21 February in Karachi.
“We are of the view that a more unified and collective approach from all ICC members will be more impactful,” CSA president Rihan Richards said.
“CSA is committed and will continue to engage in constructive dialogue with the ICC and other members to find a solution that upholds women’s cricket in Afghanistan and influence meaningful change in that country.”
The participation of women in sport has effectively been outlawed since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021 and many of Afghanistan’s female players left the country for their own safety.
International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations state full membership is conditional upon having women’s cricket teams and pathway structures in place.
However, Afghanistan’s men’s team have been allowed to participate in ICC tournaments seemingly without any sanctions.
The CSA said the suppression of women’s rights in Afghanistan is “abhorrent” and believes women’s cricket deserves “equal recognition and resources”.
“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,” the CSA added.
Sports minister Gayton McKenzie has also placed his support behind a boycott against facing Afghanistan.
“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,” McKenzie said.
“It is not for me as the sports minister to make the final decision on whether South Africa should honour cricketing fixtures against Afghanistan. If it was my decision, then it certainly would not happen.