South Africa are scheduled to play Afghanistan during the 2025 Champions Trophy on 21 February.
Whether the Proteas will fulfill the fixture, though, remains in the balance.
Afghanistan’s Taliban government have effectively outlawed the participation of females in sport since returning to power in 2021.
This has ostensibly put the Afghanistan Cricket Board in contravention of the International Cricket Council’s rules, which require full member nations to have a women’s national team.
England, who are also scheduled to play Afghanistan in Pakistan at this year’s Champions Trophy, are reportedly contemplating not fulfilling the fixture.
“Cricket South Africa can confirm receiving correspondence from British member of parliament lord Peter Hain urging South Africa to boycott its fixture against Afghanistan at the ICC Champions Trophy,” read Thursday’s statement from CSA.
“CSA 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.
“As the Champions Trophy is an International Cricket Council event, the position on Afghanistan must be guided by the world body in accordance with international tournament participation requirements and regulations.”
Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott is also the head coach of the Pretoria Capitals in the SA20, which started in South Africa this week. Several Afghanistan players, including MI Cape Town captain Rashid Khan, are involved in the 2025 SA20.
CSA president Rihan Richards added: “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.”