South Africa sports minister calls for Afghanistan boycott

South Africa's sports minister, Gayton McKenzie, has called on the country's national men's team not to play against Afghanistan at next month's Champions Trophy in Pakistan, citing the need to "take a firm stand in solidarity with the women" of the troubled Asian country.

Public support for a boycott was "a position that I feel morally bound to support, despite the deep complications of Afghanistan's recent and tragic history", McKenzie was quoted as saying in a statement.

The decision comes amid growing concerns over the human rights situation in Afghanistan, where women have been denied access to education, employment, and healthcare, and are banned from public spaces.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has stated that the Champions Trophy is an ICC event, and the position on Afghanistan must be guided by the world body in accordance with international tournament participation requirements and regulations.

However, the South African Cricket Association (CSA) has expressed its commitment to women's cricket and has stated that it will continue to engage in constructive dialogue with the ICC and other members to find a solution that upholds women's cricket in Afghanistan.

The decision has sparked debate, with some arguing that it is a tacit endorsement of the Taliban's repressive regime, while others see it as a necessary step to raise awareness about the plight of Afghan women cricketers.

The issue is also being closely watched by other cricket teams, with Australia having a policy of not fulfilling bilateral fixtures against Afghanistan while continuing to play them in tournaments.