CSA Urges ICC to Decide on Afghanistan's Participation in CT 2025 Amidst Women's Rights Concerns

Johannesburg, Jan 9 (NationPress) Cricket South Africa (CSA) has turned down a request from a British Member of Parliament for the South African men's cricket team to abstain from their match against Afghanistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to take place in Pakistan next month. The CSA asserted that any decision regarding a ban on Afghanistan must be determined by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

CSA is facing pressure from various groups urging the team not to engage with Afghanistan due to the Taliban regime's repression of women's rights in the country. Since regaining power in 2021, the Taliban has prohibited women from participating in sports and has disbanded the women's cricket team.

CSA confirmed receiving a communication from British MP Lord Peter Hain, asking South Africa to boycott its match against Afghanistan at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Tournament, which is scheduled to be held in Pakistan in February.

In a statement released on Thursday, CSA mentioned, '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.'

CSA condemned the treatment of women in Afghanistan, calling it 'abhorrent', and emphasized the need for women's cricket to receive equal acknowledgment and resources. Their track record in promoting women’s cricket within South Africa reflects this commitment.

CSA President Rihan Richards stated that they will persist in dialogues with the ICC and other cricketing members to seek a resolution to this matter.

“We believe that a more unified and collective approach from all ICC members will yield greater impact,” he remarked.

“CSA is dedicated to engaging in constructive discussions with the ICC and other stakeholders to promote women's cricket in Afghanistan and drive significant change in that region,” he added.

The CSA’s remarks came in response to Lord Peter Hain's letter, while South Africa’s sports minister Gayton McKenzie has also called for the Proteas to boycott their 2025 ICC Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan.

'To be clear, the ICC has recognized the principle of equality in sports, and member nations should develop both male and female players. This does not occur in Afghanistan, indicating a tolerance for political interference in sports administration.' McKenzie explained, citing Sri Lanka's ban in 2023 due to similar issues.

“It is not my place as the Sports Minister to make the final call on whether South Africa should fulfill cricketing fixtures against Afghanistan. However, if it were up to me, I would not support such a decision. Coming from a background that experienced inequality in sports during Apartheid, it would be hypocritical and immoral to ignore the plight of women facing similar circumstances globally,” McKenzie expressed on Thursday.

Earlier, a letter from UK Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, supported by nearly 160 UK Parliament members, urged the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to boycott their match against Afghanistan, scheduled for February 26 in Lahore.

The Temba Bavuma-led South Africa is set to kick off their 2025 Champions Trophy campaign with a Group B match against Afghanistan at the National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan on February 21, alongside England and Australia.

This marks the second significant issue for the troubled Champions Trophy 2025, which faced previous challenges due to the Indian government’s refusal to allow its cricket team to travel to Pakistan. Ultimately, the ICC arranged for a hybrid model where India will play all its matches in Dubai.