South Africa’s Sports Minister Guyton McKenzie has added his voice to the growing backlash over Afghanistan’s participation in next month’s ICC Champions Trophy, comparing the Taliban regime’s treatment of women in the country to apartheid and saying it ” Would appear hypocritical and immoral. other way around”.
McKenzie’s intervention comes with South Africa due to face Afghanistan in their tournament opening match in Karachi on February 21, and follows similar political pressure on fellow Group B participants, England. Earlier this week, a group of 160 British politicians called on the ECB to boycott the match against Afghanistan in Lahore on February 26.
“If it had been my decision, it certainly wouldn’t have happened,” McKenzie said in a statement from South Africa’s Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture. “As someone who comes from a race that was not allowed equal access to sporting opportunities during apartheid, it would be hypocritical and immoral to look away today when the same is being done to women elsewhere in the world. Is.”
His intervention comes after renowned anti-apartheid campaigner and former British government minister Peter Hain wrote to Cricket South Africa to express his concerns about the ban on women’s and girls’ cricket in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of the Taliban. Effectively implemented since. Come to power in 2021.
In a subsequent statement, CSA confirmed receipt of Hahn’s letter, but reiterated the response given by the ECB, saying that, as the Champions Trophy is an ICC event, “the situation on Afghanistan will be handled as directed by the world body in accordance with the international tournament.” Should be done.” “Participation Requirements and Regulations”.
However, an ICC spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo that the Afghanistan Cricket Board cannot be held responsible for the policies set by its national government.
“The ICC will not penalize the ACB or its players for failing to comply with the laws set by their country’s government. We continue to use our influence constructively to assist the ACB in the development of cricket and playing opportunities for both men and women.” Will keep.” Afghanistan.”
Both the ECB and Cricket Australia – who complete the four-team Champions Trophy Group B – have refused to include Afghanistan in bilateral competitions, with Australia indefinitely postponing the T20 series scheduled for last March. Is done.
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