ICC Champions Trophy 2025: South Africa-Afghanistan match in jeopardy as CSA faces boycott orders

The match between the South Africa National Cricket Team and the Afghanistan National Cricket Team in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has come under a massive scanner. As per the reports in Cricbuzz, it is learned that South Africa's sports minister has raised his voice for the team to boycott the game against the Asian team.

South Africa's Sports Minister wants to take a firm stand in solidarity with the women of Afghanistan. This all comes after the Taliban Government banned women from playing sports in most areas of public life. This has seen a massive controversy erupting across the globe.

If it was my decision, then it certainly would not happen - South Africa Sports Minister on playing with Afghanistan in ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Gayton McKenzie, South Africa Sports Minister, said that although he knows that ICC doesn't allow political interferences, if it was up to him, they wouldn't have played against Afghanistan. He expressed his sympathy for the Women in Asian country and said:

"A position that I feel morally bound to support, despite the deep complications of Afghanistan's recent and tragic history. I am aware that the ICC, like most international sporting mother bodies, professes not to tolerate political interference in the administration of sport, despite its obvious inconsistency with Afghanistan.

"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. 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 towards women anywhere in the world." He said in a statement.

As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is an ICC event, the position on Afghanistan must be guided by the world body - Cricket South Africa

Following all the calls for South Africa to stop playing against Afghanistan, CSA released an official statement, saying that they believe that women's cricket deserves equal recognition. But ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is a global event, a call on the matters will be taken by ICC. The statement read:

"The treatment and suppression of women's rights in Afghanistan abhorrent and firmly believes that women's cricket deserves equal recognition and resources, an area in which CSA's record on women's cricket in South Africa speaks for itself.

"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 is committed and will continue to engage in constructive dialogue with the ICC and other members to find a solution - President Rihan Richards

CSA president Rihan Richards said that they are inconsistent talks with the ICC, and the other board members will continue to engage in constructive dialogue and will continue looking for a solution. He said:

"We are of the view that a more unified and collective approach from all ICC members will be more impactful. 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 influences meaningful change in that country."

South Africa National Cricket Team recently played the ODI series against the Afghanistan National Cricket Team and faced a lot of criticism. The two teams are now slated to lock horns in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on February 21.

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