‘Hypocritical and immoral’- South Africa’s sports minister blasts Afghanistan’s Champions Trophy participation

Regarding Afghanistan’s participation in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, criticism is coming from all directions. In a previous letter to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), 160 British lawmakers urged the England squad to skip their Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan on February 26. The most recent addition to the list who has also voiced disapproval of the same is South Africa’s Sports Minister.

On February 21, South Africa will play their season opener against Afghanistan.

According to Gayton McKenzie, the Taliban government’s infringement on women’s rights in Afghanistan is reminiscent of the Apartheid era that ravaged South Africa. It’s important to note that South Africa, England, and Afghanistan are all in Group B for the ICC event.

“I am aware that, despite its blatant contradiction with Afghanistan, the ICC, like the majority of international sporting mother bodies, declares that political meddling in sport administration is unacceptable. The final say on whether South Africa should honour cricket matches against Afghanistan does not belong to me as the sports minister.

“It definitely wouldn’t happen if I made the decision. It would be hypocritical and unethical for a guy from a race that was denied equal access to athletic possibilities during Apartheid to turn a blind eye to the treatment of women around the globe today,” he continued.

ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 fixtures