South African Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie is making waves by calling for the national men’s cricket team to skip next ICC Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan. Why? He wants to take a stand in support of Afghan women, who have been deprived of their rights under Taliban rule.
McKenzie’s moral stance
In a public statement, McKenzie said he felt a deep moral responsibility to speak out against the way Afghan women are being treated. He acknowledged that Afghanistan’s history is complicated, but stressed the importance of raising awareness of the current situation.
“Public support for the boycott is a position that I feel morally obliged to support, despite the deep complications Afghanistanrecent and tragic history,” McKenzie said.
Criticism of the ICC position
McKenzie highlighted the inconsistency in the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) stance against political interference in the sport, particularly in the case of Afghanistan. He stressed that while the decision ultimately rests with the cricket authorities, he is personally opposed to playing Afghanistan under the current circumstances.
“It is not for me as the sports minister to make the final decision on whether South Africa should honor the cricket match against Afghanistan. If it was my decision, then it certainly wouldn’t have happened,” he added.
Drawing parallels with the apartheid era in South Africa
McKenzie connected strongly with South Africa’s past under apartheid, emphasizing the importance of taking a stand against any form of discrimination. He highlighted the double standard of turning a blind eye to the suffering of Afghan women while at the same time condemning the injustices suffered by South Africans in their own struggle for freedom.
“As a man who comes from a race that was not allowed equal access to sporting opportunities during apartheid, it would be hypocritical and immoral to look the other way today when the same is being done to women anywhere in the world,” McKenzie said.
Support of anti-apartheid activists
South African-born anti-apartheid activist and UK House of Lords member Peter Hain also joined the conversation. In an open letter to Club of South Africa (CSA) chief executive Pholetsi Moseki, Hain highlighted the Taliban’s escalating restrictions on Afghan women’s rights.
“Sports was only the first joy to be taken away from women in Afghanistan, and since then the Taliban have largely taken away their most basic human rights and freedoms,” Hain wrote.
Hain laid out the grim reality Afghan women face – they are barred from going to school, working, accessing health care and even basic rights such as freedom of movement and speech. He called on Cricket South Africa (CSA) to push the ICC to address these serious human rights violations.
“Will South African cricket please highlight the position of Afghan women cricketers in the ICC and express strong solidarity with Afghan women and girls who want to play?”
CSA’s response
Cricket South Africa (CSA) responded by strongly criticizing the ongoing violations of women’s rights in Afghanistan. The organization reiterated its pledge to support gender equity in sport and highlighted its long-standing support for women’s cricket in South Africa to demonstrate that pledge in action.
“CSA finds the treatment and suppression of women’s rights in Afghanistan abhorrent and strongly believes that women’s cricket deserves equal recognition and resources,” the statement read.
However, the CSA clarified that their position on Afghanistan’s participation in the Champions Trophy will be governed by ICC regulations.
“Since the Champions Trophy is an ICC event, the position on Afghanistan must be guided by the world body in accordance with the requirements and regulations for participation in international tournaments.”
It calls for a unique approach
CSA President Rihan Richards stressed that solving this problem requires a united front from all ICC member countries. He emphasized the importance of collective action in order to bring about real change.
“We are of the opinion that a more unified and collective approach of all ICC members will be more effective. CSA is committed to and will continue to engage in constructive dialogue with the ICC and other members to find a solution that supports women’s cricket in Afghanistan and effects meaningful change in that country.”
Current discussions about the boycott
McKenzie’s call for a boycott comes as several Afghan players take part in the ongoing SA20 league. Afghan cricketer Rashid Khan, captain of MI Cape Town, highlighted the benefits of Afghan players participating in international leagues, which has helped raise Afghanistan’s cricketing standards.
“Since our players have been playing in [T20] league, Afghanistan cricket has benefited. We reached the semi-finals [2024] T20 World Cup. Ten years before that, I don’t think anyone could have thought that Afghanistan would reach the semi-finals,” said Rashid.
The boycott call echoes the stance of more than 160 British lawmakers who called for England to pull out of the Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Australia have stuck to their policy of avoiding direct series with Afghanistan, but continue to compete against them in ICC events.
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