Earlier this week over 100 British politicians had signed a letter that asked England to not play its upcoming Champions Trophy cricket match against Afghanistan. These requests have been put forward following government’s crackdown on women's rights since returning to power in August 2021.

South African sports minister Gayton McKenzie is the latest entity to raise his voice against the participation of Afghanistan in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy

South African sports minister Gayton McKenzie has called on the Proteas to boycott their ICC Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan.

South Africa Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie said he supported calls for a boycott of Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, adding his voice to those of British politicians who have called on England not to play them next month.

In a statement, McKenzie acknowledged that while the International Cricket Council (ICC) generally avoids political interference in sport, the situation in Afghanistan warranted a different stance.

South Africa’s sports minister has joined public calls for the Proteas to boycott the Champions Trophy game against Afghanistan next month.

Seven MPs and peers from Northern Ireland back boycott due to the Taliban's oppression of women.

Days after British politicians urged their side to boycott the Afghanistan clash in Champions Trophy 2025, South Africa has also joined the conversation. Speaking on Thursday (Jan 9), South Africa Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie called his side to boycott the Afghanistan clash in the Champions Trophy 2025.

South Africa sports minister Gayton McKenzie urged the cricket team to boycott their Champions Trophy 2025 opener clash against Afghanistan.

South Africa's sports minister, Gayton McKenzie, has added his voice to the growing backlash at Afghanistan's participation in next month's ICC Champions Trophy, comparing the Taliban regime's treatment of women in the country to Apartheid,