South Africa's sports minister, Gayton McKenzie, urged the national men's cricket team to boycott Afghanistan at the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan to support Afghan women who face severe repression under Taliban rule.

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.

Keir Starmer, the UK prime minister, has called on the ICC to "deliver on their own rules" when it comes to women's rights in Afghanistan*, as he weighed into the row over England's scheduled Champions Trophy clash with the country's cricketers next month.

Cricket South Africa joins the ECB in calling for a "unified and collective approach" to action against Afghanistan following calls to boycott next month's Champions Trophy match between the nations.

South Africa's Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has openly backed the increasing calls to boycott Afghanistan in the upcoming Champions Trophy. His position comes in line with British politicians who have called on England to not play against Afghanistan next month.

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.

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