Those involved with England at the 2003 World Cup will feel a sense of unease at history repeating itself as the pressure mounts for a boycott of the Afghanistan fixture at next month’s Champions Trophy.

Fears over the safety of England players while in Pakistan are underpinning English cricket’s refusal to boycott next month’s Champions Trophy match against Taliban-governed Afghanistan.

( MENAFN - Khaama Press) The South African Minister of Sports, Nathi Mthethwa, has joined calls for a boycott of Afghanistan's cricket match in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Mthethwa expressed support for the British politicians who want the game to be canceled in response to the Taliban's repression of women.

South Africa Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie said he supported calls for a boycott of Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, adding his voice to those of British politicians who have called on England not to play them next month.

A group of more than 160 British politicians have called on the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to boycott next month's Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan as a stand against the Taliban regime's assault on women's rights.

More than 160 MPs have called on the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to boycott the upcoming Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan. "a clear signal that such grotesque abuses will not be tolerated."

England have been accused of making an “appalling and misogynistic” decision by going ahead with plans to play Afghanistan despite fresh calls for a boycott of next month’s Champions Trophy fixture.

South Africa Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie said he supported calls for a boycott of Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, adding his voice to those of British politicians who have called on England not to play them next month.

Seven MPs and peers from Northern Ireland back boycott due to the Taliban's oppression of women.