The Proteas are set to kick off their ICC Champions Trophy campaign against Afghanistan in Karachi on February 21. But the game, set to mark the start of South Africa’s campaign, is overshadowed by a much bigger question: should they play at all?

Afghanistan’s strict ban on women’s and girls’ participation in sport, enforced by the Taliban since 2021, has sparked global outrage, with growing calls for teams to boycott matches against them. For South Africa, the issue is particularly poignant, given its own history of sports boycotts during the apartheid era—a strategy that proved instrumental in the fight against racial injustice.

South Africa has walked this road before. During apartheid, international sports sanctions sent a powerful message, isolating the country until the oppressive Apartheid regime collapsed. Now, as Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie pointed out, it would be hypocritical for South Africa to ignore similar discrimination—this time against Afghan women.

McKenzie has thrown his weight behind calls for a boycott of Afghanistan at the Champions Trophy. “If it was my decision, then it certainly would not happen,” McKenzie said in a statement last week. “As a man who comes from a race that was not allowed equal access to sporting opportunities during Apartheid, it would be hypocritical and immoral to look the other way today when the same is being done towards women anywhere in the world,” he added. 

His stance echoes sentiments from British politicians, more than 160 of whom signed a cross-party letter urging the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to refuse to play Afghanistan on February 26. The power lies with the teams and players. “They have influence, and they should use it to make a difference,” stated Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, one of the signatories, to BBC. 

Cricket South Africa’s position

So where does Cricket South Africa (CSA) stand? For now, the governing body is taking a cautious approach, advocating for a unified response from all International Cricket Council (ICC) member nations. “We are of the view that a more unified and collective approach from all ICC members will be more impactful,” said CSA president Rihan Richards.

Richards’ statement touches on the broader challenge of navigating the political minefield surrounding international sport. 

The ICC’s role and the bigger picture

The ICC has clear regulations requiring full member nations to support women’s cricket. Afghanistan, despite the Taliban’s policies, has been allowed to continue competing in international tournaments without facing significant sanctions. 

While nations like Australia have postponed bilateral series against Afghanistan in protest, ICC events have seen less resistance—a discrepancy that many, including McKenzie, argue undermines the sport’s integrity. 

“The federations of other countries and the ICC will have to think carefully about the message the sport of cricket wishes to send the world, and especially the women in sports,” said McKenzie.

Australia postponed a bilateral T20 series against Afghanistan in March 2023, citing the deteriorating rights of women and girls under the Taliban. Yet, they played Afghanistan in subsequent ICC tournaments, drawing accusations of inconsistency. Cricket Australia Chairman Mike Baird defended their actions, saying, “We’ve taken a position, and we’re proudly standing up where we think we should.”

What’s next for the Proteas?

For now, South Africa appears set to face Afghanistan, unless a collective decision to boycott is made at the ICC level. For now, the Proteas are set to face Afghanistan, but the mounting pressure from political leaders and human rights advocates is hard to ignore. February 21 could become a watershed moment—not just for South African cricket but for the global game.

As South Africa considers its next move, the question remains: will the Proteas stand by their history of fighting injustice, or will they play on and follow the ICC’s lead? For McKenzie and many others, the answer is clear. “I hope that all those involved in cricket, including supporters, players, and administrators, will take a firm stand in solidarity with the women of Afghanistan.”

South Africa’s own experience proves that sport can be a powerful tool for change. The world will be watching to see whether the Proteas rise to the occasion.