The South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) has expressed its support for promoting women’s cricket while acknowledging the upcoming ODI series between South Africa and Afghanistan in the UAE. Afghanistan remains the only ICC Full Member without a women’s team due to severe restrictions imposed on women under the Taliban government.
This bilateral series marks the first between the two nations and only the third time South Africa will play 50-over cricket against Afghanistan after facing them at the 2019 and 2023 World Cups. These fixtures are not part of the 2023-2027 Future Tours Programme (FTP) but have been added to provide more competitive opportunities for South Africa’s teams.
SACA welcomed these additions but expressed concern over the “deteriorating human rights for women under the Taliban rule.” The association reiterated its support for promoting women’s cricket globally.
“World Cricketers’ Association and SACA do not condone any situation in which women’s players are excluded from competing in our sport,” said Andrew Breetzke, SACA CEO and WCA board member. “Every athlete has the right to equality of opportunity, protected by international law and the Universal Declaration of Player Rights.”
SACA urged CSA to use its leverage during the series to highlight the importance of protecting and respecting the rights of Afghanistan’s women’s players.
CSA is expected to remain silent on the statement but has participated in discussions regarding Afghanistan’s situation as an ICC Member. The ICC continues to explore solutions, including the possibility of a refugee team based in Australia.
The ICC is hesitant to ban Afghanistan’s men’s team, as it did with South Africa in 1970 due to racial Apartheid. The ACB cannot recognize a women’s team due to the Taliban’s stance on women. Concerns exist that forcing the issue could endanger lives.
Despite Afghanistan’s Full Member status, some countries have refused to play against them bilaterally. Australia has postponed two series against Afghanistan due to government concerns. South Africa has only faced Afghanistan in major events, including the recent T20 World Cup semi-final.
South Africa’s white-ball coach, Rob Walter, declined to comment on whether the team considered not playing against Afghanistan, deferring to Cricket South Africa.
South Africa will play three ODIs against Afghanistan in Sharjah from next Wednesday, followed by two T20Is and three ODIs against Ireland in Abu Dhabi.
