This is the first bilateral series between the two nations and only the third time they will meet in the over-50s format. While these matches were not initially part of the Future Tours Program (FTP) 2023-2027, Cricket South Africa (CSA) added them in an effort to increase competitive opportunities for its national teams.
However, as the games approach, SACA's attention has shifted to an important issue: Afghanistan remains the only full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) without a women's team.
SACA issued a statement expressing concern about the worsening conditions for women in Afghanistan, particularly under the Taliban regime, which has imposed severe restrictions on women's rights, including participation in sports. Currently, the Afghan government refuses to recognize a women's cricket team and SACA has called for action.
Andrew Breetzke, CEO of SACA and member of the board of directors of the World Cricketers' Association, emphasized that every athlete, regardless of her gender, has the right to equal opportunities in sports. “A player's right to play a sport cannot be limited by her gender. We urge the CSA to use this series to highlight that these rights of Afghan women players must be protected and respected,” Breetzke said.
SACA's statement comes amid the broader context of international discussions over Afghanistan's status in world cricket. The ICC has deliberated on the lack of a women's team in Afghanistan, with some countries refusing to play Afghanistan in bilateral series.
Australia, in consultation with its government, has postponed two bilateral series against Afghanistan in recent years. Still, the Afghanistan men's team remains an active part of the international cricket calendar and continues to play in ICC tournaments.
While some countries have taken a hardline stance, the ICC is reluctant to ban Afghanistan outright from international cricket, fearing it could endanger lives if the Taliban feel pressured on the issue.
Meanwhile, there have been discussions about forming a refugee women's cricket team based in Australia, although concrete action has yet to materialise.
South Africa white-ball coach Rob Walter was asked about the ethical considerations of playing against Afghanistan, given the regime's treatment of women. He deferred the question to CSA, explaining that such decisions fall to the governing body, not the players or coaches. “Those decisions are not my responsibility,” he said.
However, as the games approach, SACA's attention has shifted to an important issue: Afghanistan remains the only full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) without a women's team.
SACA issued a statement expressing concern about the worsening conditions for women in Afghanistan, particularly under the Taliban regime, which has imposed severe restrictions on women's rights, including participation in sports. Currently, the Afghan government refuses to recognize a women's cricket team and SACA has called for action.
Andrew Breetzke, CEO of SACA and member of the board of directors of the World Cricketers' Association, emphasized that every athlete, regardless of her gender, has the right to equal opportunities in sports. “A player's right to play a sport cannot be limited by her gender. We urge the CSA to use this series to highlight that these rights of Afghan women players must be protected and respected,” Breetzke said.
SACA's statement comes amid the broader context of international discussions over Afghanistan's status in world cricket. The ICC has deliberated on the lack of a women's team in Afghanistan, with some countries refusing to play Afghanistan in bilateral series.
Australia, in consultation with its government, has postponed two bilateral series against Afghanistan in recent years. Still, the Afghanistan men's team remains an active part of the international cricket calendar and continues to play in ICC tournaments.
While some countries have taken a hardline stance, the ICC is reluctant to ban Afghanistan outright from international cricket, fearing it could endanger lives if the Taliban feel pressured on the issue.
Meanwhile, there have been discussions about forming a refugee women's cricket team based in Australia, although concrete action has yet to materialise.
South Africa white-ball coach Rob Walter was asked about the ethical considerations of playing against Afghanistan, given the regime's treatment of women. He deferred the question to CSA, explaining that such decisions fall to the governing body, not the players or coaches. “Those decisions are not my responsibility,” he said.
