Rodger Bosch / AFP
Cricket South Africa said it would be guided by the International Cricket Council following calls to boycott its ICC Champions trophy fixture against Afghanistan in Pakistan next month.
The CSA statement followed a call by British Member of Parliament Lord Peter Hain to protest against the treatment of women by the Taliban government in Afghanistan which has banned women’s sport since taking back power in 2021.
Cricket South Africa said it finds 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.
However, it said 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.
“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 influence meaningful change in that country," said CSA President Rihan Richards.
Meanwhile, Steve Harmison is adamant England captain Jos Buttler must not be "thrown under the bus" amid growing political pressure to boycott next month's Champions Trophy cricket match against Afghanistan.
A group of more than 160 British politicians have called on the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to refuse to play Afghanistan in protest at the women's sports policy of the Taliban.
Since returning to power in 2021 the Taliban have effectively banned female participation -- a move that puts the Afghanistan Cricket Board at odds with International Cricket Council (ICC) rules.
(Additional reporting AFP)
