McKenzie calls on Proteas to consider boycotting Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie released a statement saying he was morally bound to support the call not to play the game as it would be hypocrytical to look the other way when Afghan women are denied equal access to sporting opportunities.
Picture: @ACBofficials/X
JOHANNESBURG - The Proteas' opening game at the ICC Champions Trophy is in doubt.
This comes after Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie threw his weight behind public calls for the South African team to boycott the match against Afghanistan.
McKenzie cited the Taliban-led government's decision to ban women's sport in the country and disband their national team in 2021 as the reason for his stance.
He released a statement saying he was morally bound to support the call not to play the game as it would be hypocritical to look the other way when Afghan women are denied equal access to sporting opportunities.
Afghanistan finds itself being pushed slowly to the periphery of international cricket. Earlier this week, MPs in the UK asked the England team to boycott their match against the Afghans, which follows the fixture against South Africa.
McKenzie said he would not pressure the Proteas to avoid playing the match but appealed to the consciences of the players and administrators to take a firm stand in solidarity with the women of Afghanistan.