The calls are in response to the Taliban government’s crackdown on women’s rights since returning to power in August 2021.

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.

McKenzie urges his country’s cricket governing body not to honour the Champions Trophy fixture against Afghanistan.

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

McKenzie also termed the International Cricket Council (ICC) as hypocritical for not upholding its own mandates that member nations develop men's and women's cricket.

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.