South Africa Sports Minister Calls for Boycott of Afghanistan in Champions Trophy

McKenzie is an advocate for keeping Afghanistan out of global sports competitions because the country's leaders are violating human rights. Ever since the Taliban took over in August 2021, things have become very bad there. They're greatly reducing what women can do or learn, and people around the world are very angry about it.

McKenzie's remarks are in line with those of British politicians who have urged England to reconsider playing Afghanistan in the tournament. Both England and South Africa are placed in the same group as Afghanistan for the One Day International (ODI) competition. This grouping has amplified calls for both teams to withdraw from fixtures, as the international community pressures countries to take a stand against Afghanistan’s regressive policies towards women. The Champions Trophy, one of the premier events in international cricket, is set to begin next month in Pakistan. As the debate over the boycott continues to gather momentum, it remains to be seen whether other nations will follow suit, demanding action over Afghanistan’s controversial stance on women's rights.

South Africa's Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, has expressed strong opposition to his country’s scheduled match against Afghanistan in the upcoming Champions Trophy, scheduled for February 21 in Karachi. McKenzie stated that while the final decision on whether to boycott the fixture lies with the cricketing authorities, he would personally advocate for a boycott if it were up to him.

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🚨 SPORTS MINISTER CALLS FOR BOYCOTT IN CT 2025. 🚨

- South African Sports Minister wants South Africa to boycott the match against Afghanistan to take a firm stand with women. pic.twitter.com/TYWh6ZAcw7

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 9, 2025

South Africa's Sports Minister Urges Boycott of Afghanistan in Champions Trophy Over Women's Rights

“It is not for me as the sports minister to make the final decision on whether South Africa should honour cricketing fixtures against Afghanistan. If it was my decision, then it certainly would not happen,” McKenzie said, underscoring his firm stance against Afghanistan's participation in the tournament. Both England and South Africa are placed in the same group as Afghanistan for the One Day International (ODI) competition, leading to growing pressure to withdraw from the fixtures in response to the Taliban government's harsh treatment of women's rights since they regained power in August 2021.

The South African team is set to face Afghanistan in their opening match of the Champions Trophy in Karachi on February 21. McKenzie, reflecting on South Africa's own history of Apartheid, further emphasized the moral dilemma at hand. “As a man who comes from a race that was not allowed equal access to sporting opportunities during Apartheid, it would be hypocritical and immoral to look the other way today when the same is being done towards women anywhere in the world,” he added

This call for action has been echoed by more than 160 British politicians, who have signed a cross-party letter urging the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to boycott England’s fixture against Afghanistan in Lahore on February 26. In response, ECB chief executive Richard Gould has called for a consistent, unified approach from all member nations regarding Afghanistan's involvement in international cricket. Australia is also scheduled to play Afghanistan on February 28 in Lahore. Cricket Australia had previously postponed a bilateral men’s T20 series against Afghanistan in March 2023, citing the deteriorating human rights situation for women and girls under Taliban rule. However, Cricket Australia did play Afghanistan in both the 2023 ICC Men's World Cup in India and the T20 World Cup in June. 

Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird defended his organization’s stance last month, stating that they were "very proud of the position we’ve taken." Despite facing accusations of hypocrisy, he reiterated that they were standing by their decision to take a firm stand on the issue. As the Champions Trophy draws near, the debate over Afghanistan’s participation continues to intensify, with more nations being urged to make their stance clear on the matter.

As we fast approach the kick-off of the third SA20 edition on January 9, former Proteas great and ongoing SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith voiced his displeasure regarding the existence of several lucrative T20 franchise leagues. He opines that the existence of such leagues does more harm than good to the game. 

Most notable of them all is the ILT20 which is expected to commence on January 11. The UAE-based T20 franchise league is set to directly have a clash with SA20. The former South African captain argued that the SA20 offers a lot in driving the standards of the South African domestic cricket system to a respectable standard unlike the ILT20, whose popularity revolves solely around the existence of foreign players.  

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So what sets SA20 apart from ILT20?

SA20 has taken a leave out of IPL's book wherein it is allowed to have a maximum of four overseas players in the playing eleven. But the picture is a lot different when we talk about team combinations in the ILT20. In this league, a team is allowed to field a maximum of nine international players in a lineup. In addition, all six SA20 squads are restricted to 19 players, must contain a minimum of 11 South African players, and international places in the squads are limited to seven. This stands in sharp contrast with the ILT20 wherein at least two UAE players are included in the playing XI and four in the squad overall.

Smith stresses that this very philosophy sets SA20 apart from the rest of the other leagues including the ILT20. His main goal is to drive the upliftment and growth of South African domestic players and wants the local players to be closely involved with this league. 

"We see ourselves as very different to the ILT20. We're a South African league, with a majority of South African players and our ultimate goal is to benefit South African players."

Furthermore, he openly criticizes ILT20 and highlights their core issue of not incorporating adequate home-grown players into the tournament. Measures like these can prove detrimental and can hurt the global perception of the game.

"We've been built up against ILT20, so it's very difficult for me to not come across like I'm bad-mouthing them, but I do feel like a league like that is not good for the game; that there's that many international players required to build a team; there's no investment back into local cricket. That is a challenge for the world game and something that needs to be managed going forward."

Smith's long-term vision for SA20 and domestic cricket

For Smith, SA20 is all about offering a platform where both local and international players are given their fair share of chances to shine on the big stage.  Being a full-member nation, prioritizing the global aspect of the league comes first but at the same time, they can't overlook the aspect of nurturing the local players and the domestic system.

Smith is focused on building SA20 to the point where it is recognized as one of the biggest leagues outside the IPL. The marquee event has attracted several high-profile talents from different corners of the world and the quality of cricket has been top-notch ever since its inception in 2023 thus attracting huge chunks of crowd. 

South Africa is hosting a two-match Test series against Pakistan, with Pakistan touring as visitors. South Africa already won the first Test match and leads the series 1-0. They have also qualified for the WTC final, but they are still showing their dominance in the second Test. This match is being played at Cape Town, where the pitch suits the batters more.

In their first innings of the second Test, South Africa’s batting lineup dominated Pakistan’s bowlers on their home soil. Even though the top-order batters Markram, Mulder, and Stubbs failed to make big contributions, captain Temba Bavuma and Ryan Rickelton put on a brilliant 235-run partnership. Rickelton reached his century during the second session on Day 1, and soon after, Bavuma followed him, bringing up his century in the third session. Bavuma got out for 106 runs at the end of Day 1, but Rickelton remained unbeaten, ready to continue on Day 2.

On the second day, Rickelton started with David Bedingham, but Bedingham couldn’t last long in the morning session. After his dismissal, wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreynne joined Rickelton at the crease. Verreynne played an aggressive knock, scoring 100 runs, which included five huge sixes. He shared a 148-run partnership with Rickelton, and what stood out was how Verreynne dominated during this stand, showcasing his power-hitting ability.

The highlight of the innings, however, was Ryan Rickelton’s magnificent 259 runs. His innings included 29 fours and 3 sixes, completely dismantling Pakistan’s bowling attack. Pakistan’s prime bowlers had a tough time, with four of their five main bowlers conceding over 100 runs. Even Mohammad Abbas, who gave away 94 runs, couldn’t escape the punishment. It was a nightmare for Pakistan’s bowlers as South Africa piled on the runs.

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Toward the end of the innings, Marco Jansen (62 runs) and Keshav Maharaj (40 runs) added valuable runs with their cameos. Their contributions helped South Africa reach a massive total of 615 runs in their first innings.

Pakistan started their innings under pressure, facing a huge deficit. The pitch looked good for batting, but South Africa’s quality bowling attack made things tough for Pakistan. By the end of Day 2, Pakistan was struggling at 64 for 3, still trailing by 551 runs. Captain Babar Azam was unbeaten on 31, while Mohammad Rizwan was batting on 9. Pakistan faces an uphill battle to get back into the match.

The T20I format of cricket has always been one such game mode that has enthralled fanatics. 2024 served a high dose of cricket's high-octane action in the shortest format. The year saw India's wait for an ICC title end, with the Men in Blue getting their hands on the ICC Men's T20 World Cup when they beat South Africa in a memorable final in Barbados.

Also, it does not take away the fact that many underdogs have shined on the international stage, and new arsenals have a new platform to give it all in the sport of cricket. Overall, the year has seen the format's evolution in the most optimistic ways possible.

That said, from the house of Cricket Winner, here we present to you the Playing XI of the Year, the 2024 edition. 

In the realms of cricket, the test format has always been the one that has a chance to see the real fanatics of the game. The red-ball format does test the spectators' patience to an extent, but even with a single delivery or batting stroke, it has an enormous potential to turn the game's tables.

With the forthcoming third edition of the World Test Championship coming next year, this year's test matches have been about scalping the final two spots for the coveted ICC title. That said, here's a rewind of the best red-ball campaigners in the form of Cricket Winner Test Team of the Year 2024.

The 35-year-old veteran pacer Dane Paterson hit the ground running at St George's Park in Gqeberha where he registered his career-best 7-104 to power South Africa to a resounding 109-win in the second Test. He was roped in to replace an injured Gerald Coetzee and walked into the second Test averaging well over 36 with only 12 wickets in five matches. Not known for his ability to generate express pace or swing, Paterson was not a major threat Sri Lanka would have expected to contend with before the start of the first Test. 

However, as fate would have, he emerged as the unlikely hero for South Africa in the second Test. His ground-breaking five-wicket haul in the first innings, followed by figures of 2-33 helped South Africa conclude the Test series on a high and bolster their chances of securing their maiden spot in the WTC final. His three-wicket burst inside the space of one over played a crucial role in helping South Africa eke out a crucial 30-run lead which in turn paved the way for an emphatic win for his side. After the match, his figures improved drastically as his average dropped to 28 whilst his strike rate lowered to 58.6.

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Paterson lashes out at his critics over his selection

Prior to his heroic exploits at St George's Park, Paterson came under intense scrutiny as many experts were skeptical about his place in the team. Against an underwhelming Test record, the veteran pacer became a prime target of several media houses. Following the conclusion of the second Test, Paterson was awarded the "Player of the Match" award and that was the very moment when the Cape Town-born pacer wasted no time in answering his critics with a befitting tweet on his Twitter account which read as follows:

Hi to all the haters that doubted my selection. This one is for you. Thanks for all the negative comments about my selection. At the end of the day it’s not about you. It’s about the team. @PoppingCreaseSA please relook at my first class stats before having a GO at me. Cheers🍺 pic.twitter.com/bsQSoTHGhj

— Dane Paterson (@DanePaterson44) December 9, 2024

Furthermore, he also tagged a sports journalist in his post advising them to revisit his first-class stats before making premature assessments about his capabilities. Paterson was pumped up after his maiden five-wicket haul and was happy to win a game for his side in such a crucial encounter. He went on to laud Rickelton, Bavuma, and Maharaj who performed well in certain passages of play. 

More about Dane Paterson

Paterson has over 166 FC games under his belt and has accumulated 603 wickets at a remarkable average of 23.67 which includes his best figures of 10/62. In addition, the 35-year-old also has 18 four-wicket hauls & 23 five-wicket hauls to his name as well. Paterson burst into the international stage when he made his Test debut against England in 2020 and has since then featured in six Tests, four of which came in this year alone.

South Africa delivered a commanding performance at Kingsmead, Durban, to secure a massive 233-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test of the series. Despite losing the toss and being put under early pressure by Sri Lanka’s seamers, the Proteas rallied through skipper Temba Bavuma's gritty 70 and valuable lower-order contributions, posting a modest first-innings total of 191. Sri Lanka seemed poised to capitalize but crumbled spectacularly, recording their lowest-ever Test score of just 42, thanks to Marco Jansen’s devastating 7/13. This collapse handed South Africa a significant lead, setting the stage for a dominant second innings. 

In their second essay, South Africa piled on the runs with centuries from Tristan Stubbs (122) and Bavuma (113), amassing a daunting lead of 515. Despite resilient efforts from Dhananjaya de Silva and Dinesh Chandimal in the fourth innings, Sri Lanka fell well short, bowled out for 282 as Jansen’s career-best 11/86 stole the spotlight. The victory not only gave the Proteas a 1-0 series lead but also showcased their ability to dominate in challenging conditions, leaving Sri Lanka with much to ponder ahead of the decider in Gqeberha.

See Also: Temba Bavuma's mixed battle against Sri Lanka's bowling Attack: A tale of grit and adaptability

Breakdown of Macro Jansen match winning spells against SriLanka 

Marco Jansen etched his name into the annals of cricketing glory with a stunning 11-wicket haul against Sri Lanka at Kingsmead, Durban, during the first Test. The left-arm pacer, known for his height and ability to generate awkward bounce, dismantled the Sri Lankan batting line-up with precision and skill. His career-best figures of 11/86 were the cornerstone of South Africa's emphatic 233-run victory, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure and exploit the conditions to perfection.

In the first innings, Jansen unleashed his brilliance with the ball, claiming an extraordinary 7/13, a performance that will be remembered for ages. His wickets came at key intervals, as he consistently found the perfect lengths to trouble the batters. The Sri Lankan batters struggled against his variations and steep bounce, as Jansen orchestrated their historic collapse for a mere 42 runs, Sri Lanka’s lowest-ever Test total.

Jansen’s skill set as a left-arm pacer makes him a unique weapon in the Proteas’ arsenal. His ability to angle the ball across the right-handers and swing it back in creates endless dilemmas for batters. Additionally, his pinpoint accuracy and clever use of the crease were evident during his second-innings spell. Jansen’s dismissal of set batters like Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Mendis highlighted his knack for breaking partnerships and turning the game in his team’s favor.

What set Jansen apart in this match was his relentless aggression coupled with tactical acumen. As Sri Lanka attempted to mount a fightback in the fourth innings, Jansen struck repeatedly to derail their chase. His ability to generate reverse swing on a deteriorating pitch and consistently attack the stumps left the visitors with no answers. He brought variety and adaptability to his spells, ensuring that every delivery tested the batter’s technique.

This performance not only reinforced Jansen’s status as one of the most exciting young talents in international cricket but also underscored the critical role of a left-arm seamer in modern Test cricket. His mastery of the art and ability to adapt to conditions have made him a linchpin in South Africa’s bowling attack. As he continues to evolve, performances like this ensure his name will remain synonymous with dominance and excellence for years to come.

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India showcased a dominant performance to seal a 3-1 series win over South Africa with a thumping 135-run victory at the Wanderers Stadium. Opting to bat first after Suryakumar Yadav finally won the toss, the visitors set the stage for a historic game. Openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson got India off to a flying start, with Abhishek smashing a quickfire 36 off 18 before falling. Tilak Varma, promoted to his preferred number three spot, then took center stage alongside Samson. The duo unleashed a brutal assault on the Proteas bowlers, putting up a record-breaking 210-run partnership. Both batters brought up scintillating centuries as India amassed a colossal 283/1 in their 20 overs, leaving the hosts with a mountain to climb.

In reply, South Africa's chase unraveled from the outset, courtesy of a lethal display of swing bowling by Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya. Arshdeep dismantled the top order, removing Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, and Aiden Markram in quick succession, while Hardik chipped in by dismissing Ryan Rickelton. With four wickets down for just 10 runs in three overs, the Proteas were left in tatters. The Indian bowlers maintained relentless pressure, with spinners Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel striking in the middle overs, and the rest of the attack contributing wickets. South Africa eventually folded for 148 in 18.4 overs. Arshdeep finished with three scalps, while every bowler picked up at least one wicket in a clinical all-round effort that capped off a remarkable series win for India.

See Also: Marco Jansen’s fiery knock gives South Africa hope but falls Just 11 runs short

Breakdown of Tilak Varma's 120 Knock

Tilak Varma’s magnificent knock of 120 runs in India’s dominant victory against South Africa was a masterclass in clean and calculated hitting. Walking in at number three, Tilak wasted no time asserting his dominance, crafting a memorable innings with exquisite stroke play and clever placement. His knock was a perfect blend of composure and aggression, as evident in his ability to target different bowlers effectively. This table provides a breakdown of how Tilak managed to dismantle the South African bowling attack.

Against A Simelane, Tilak started cautiously, scoring 14 runs off 7 balls. He ensured a high strike rate of 200 by finding the boundary with a four and a six. This early burst set the tone for his innings, showcasing his ability to rotate the strike while not letting any loose delivery go unpunished. His boundary percentage of 71.4% against Simelane illustrated how effectively he cashed in on the opportunities presented.

Tilak’s most aggressive burst came against Aiden Markram, smashing 22 runs off just 6 balls at an astonishing strike rate of 366.7. With two fours and two sixes, Markram was left clueless as Tilak dominated with his power hitting. His boundary percentage of 90.9% against Markram epitomized his intent to keep the scoreboard ticking at an explosive rate, leaving no room for the bowler to settle.

KA Maharaj and Lutho Sipamla faced the brunt of Tilak’s calculated aggression as well. Against Maharaj, he collected 26 runs off 10 balls, displaying remarkable skill to deal with spin, hitting one four and three sixes with a boundary percentage of 84.6%. Similarly, Sipamla was taken apart for 24 runs off 8 balls, with Tilak smashing two boundaries and two sixes, maintaining a boundary percentage of 83.3%. His ability to pick the gaps and clear the ropes showed his versatility against both pace and spin.

Tilak finished his innings with short yet impactful cameos against Marco Jansen and Tristan Stubbs, scoring 14 runs off 7 balls and 8 runs off 3 balls, respectively. His strike rate remained consistent, as he picked his bowlers with precision and ensured the team reached a mammoth total. This innings not only highlighted Tilak’s maturity as a batter but also underlined his ability to control the game with decisive, well-executed shots across the park.

See Also: Tilak Varma’s heroic century secures thrilling win for India over South Africa

In a thrilling T20I encounter at Centurion, India clinched a narrow victory over South Africa to take a 2-1 lead in the four-match series. After being put in to bat, India posted an imposing total of 220, thanks largely to Tilak Varma’s maiden T20I century. Coming in at number three, Tilak played an extraordinary knock, remaining unbeaten with 107 runs off just 56 balls. He, along with Abhishek Sharma, who contributed to a rapid 107-run partnership, set the tone for India’s innings. Ramandeep Singh also made a memorable impact on debut, hitting a six off the first ball he faced to push India’s total beyond the 210-run mark.

South Africa, faced with a daunting chase, kept themselves in contention through brisk contributions from Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller. However, it was Marco Jansen who almost pulled off a miraculous comeback for the Proteas. Coming in lower down the order, Jansen blasted a stunning 54 off just 16 balls, registering the fastest half-century ever against India. His power-hitting took the game down to the wire and created tense moments for the Indian side. Ultimately, Arshdeep Singh held his nerve in the final over, taking a crucial wicket to seal India’s victory by a slender margin, securing a 2-1 series lead with one match left to play.

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Breakdown of Macro Jansen's 54 runs 

In an electrifying performance during the third T20I between India and South Africa, Marco Jansen delivered a clutch batting display that almost swung the match in South Africa’s favor. Chasing a massive target of 220, Jansen walked in with the required rate climbing, but his aggressive intent was evident from the very first ball. Known more for his left-arm pace bowling, Jansen showcased his batting prowess, launching an incredible counter-attack that saw him scoring at a blistering strike rate. His innings was instrumental in keeping South Africa in the game, as he scored 85% of his runs in boundaries, showcasing his power-hitting abilities.

Jansen’s control at the crease was impressive, with a 71% success rate in managing his shots effectively. His power was especially evident in the middle of the bat, where he middled 31% of his shots, sending the ball racing to the boundary. He showed a strong ability to pick his shots, even though a significant portion (31.25%) of his shots were mistimed, reflecting his all-or-nothing approach to the high-stakes chase. Despite the pressure, Jansen kept up the aggression, maintaining his intent to score quickly and bring the Proteas closer to the daunting target.

Throughout his innings, Jansen maintained a highly fluctuating strike rate, averaging around 317 across his four-ball cycles. His strike rate shot up to a high of 450 during crucial phases of the game, as he capitalized on loose deliveries and punished any errors in the Indian bowling. This fluctuating strike rate highlighted Jansen’s adaptability and awareness of the game situation, as he balanced boundary-hitting with moments where he took calculated risks to avoid losing his wicket.

Despite his boundary-hitting focus, Jansen managed a modest strike rotation of 14%, a reflection of the relentless pressure he faced to keep up with the climbing required rate. His innings underscored the fine line between aggressive shot-making and managing the strike, as he balanced big shots with the occasional single. His ability to find the gaps was crucial in ensuring that he was not bogged down, and his boundary-heavy approach kept the scoreboard ticking rapidly.

Ultimately, Jansen’s valiant 54 off just 16 balls was not enough to clinch the win for South Africa, but his heroic effort left a lasting impression. His remarkable innings, combining immense power with a controlled aggression, brought South Africa tantalizingly close to the target, giving the Indian bowlers a real scare. Jansen’s performance demonstrated his potential as an all-rounder capable of turning games with the bat as well as with the ball, adding a new dimension to his skillset and raising hopes for the Proteas in future contests.

See Also: Tristan Stubbs powers South Africa to thrilling victory in 2nd T20I

India seized a thrilling victory over South Africa in a high-scoring clash in Centurion, taking a 2-1 lead in the four-match T20I series. Batting first, India overcame early setbacks after Sanju Samson was dismissed for a duck by Marco Jansen. However, Tilak Varma, with his maiden T20I century, and Abhishek Sharma counter-attacked brilliantly, adding 107 runs in just over eight overs to lay a solid foundation. Although Suryakumar Yadav's struggles continued with another low score, Tilak held the innings together and finished unbeaten. Debutant Ramandeep Singh provided a late surge, smashing the first ball he faced for a six, which helped India surpass 210 runs.

In response, South Africa put up a spirited chase, with Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, and Jansen giving India a scare. Jansen’s blazing half-century, the fastest against India, narrowed the gap, but India’s bowlers managed to hold their nerve on a batting-friendly pitch. Arshdeep Singh dismissed Ryan Rickelton early and later returned to close out the game with a crucial wicket in the final over. Despite a few nervy moments, India's balanced performance earned them a well-fought win, setting up an unassailable lead with one game remaining.

See Also: Tristan Stubbs powers South Africa to thrilling victory in 2nd T20I

Breakdown of Tilak Varma's 107 knock 

Tilak Varma produced a stunning innings of 107 off just 56 balls against South Africa, lighting up the third T20I with an explosive batting display. His knock, characterized by his aggressive yet calculated shot-making, proved crucial for India in setting a daunting target. With a remarkable strike rate of 191.07, Tilak showcased his ability to dominate the bowling attack and demonstrated his maturity on the big stage. His innings featured a variety of powerful shots, with the flick emerging as his most productive shot, contributing 27% of his runs.

Bowler-wise, Tilak was particularly severe on Gerald Coetzee, from whom he scored a match-high 27 runs. Coetzee’s pace and length provided Tilak with the ideal opportunities to free his arms, allowing him to drive and pull with ease. Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj also found themselves on the receiving end, conceding 18 runs each. Though Jansen managed to dismiss Sanju Samson early, Tilak’s aggressive intent against him and the other bowlers put India in a commanding position. Simelane, Sipamla, and Markram were all attacked strategically, with Tilak finding ways to maximize every scoring opportunity.

One of the standout features of Tilak’s innings was his boundary-hitting ability, with 69% of his runs coming from fours and sixes. He timed his strokes with precision, dispatching the ball to all parts of the ground. The wagon wheel of his innings revealed his skill in exploiting gaps and maneuvering the field, making it hard for the Proteas’ bowlers to contain him. Tilak’s shot selection was on point, particularly against the spinners, where he used his wrists to flick and drive the ball to the boundary with ease.

Tilak’s innings not only bolstered India’s total but also showcased his growth as a batsman who can play different roles. Coming in at a crucial position, he took his time to assess the conditions before launching into full-fledged attack mode. His composure against both pace and spin underlined his versatility, as he adapted his approach based on the bowler and field settings. His shot placement and timing made it evident that he was in complete control, allowing him to build a memorable innings.

The knock earned Tilak the Player of the Match (POTM) award and solidified his reputation as a dependable middle-order batsman for India. With such an impressive performance, he has set the standard high for future games, providing India with the stability and explosiveness they need in the T20 format. His ability to accelerate the innings while maintaining a high strike rate will surely make him a key player to watch in upcoming matches.

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