The calls are in response to the Taliban government’s crackdown on women’s rights since returning to power in August 2021.

Cricket South Africa has decided against boycotting their match against Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy 2025, despite growing calls to protest the Taliban’s policies restricting women’s rights. Meanwhile,

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 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.

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

G ayton McKenzie, the sports minister for South Africa, has backed calls to boycott Afghanistan during the Champions Trophy, which will be held in Pakistan the following month. Mc

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,

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is 40 days away, but the controversies are taking no stopping, as the South Africa Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, is the latest person to join the boycott movement of the mega event.