By Mark Gleeson CAPE TOWN (Reuters) -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.

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

The 50-over World Cup is far older and has been competed for since back in 1975. Australia are the record winners having run out victorious on five occasions (1987, 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2015). England took the 2019 crown after a dramatic Ben Stokes-inspired super-over win over New Zealand at Lord's.

South Africa’s Sports Minister has voiced his strong opposition to Afghanistan’s participation in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy

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.

Kwena Maphaka become South Africa's youngest ever Test debutant in early January 2025. The talented fast bowler played a few ODIs and T20Is before graduating to Test level. It is not often cricketers play a Test before their 20th birthday.

G ayton McKenzie, the sports minister for South Africa, has backed calls to boycott Afghanistan during the Champions Trophy, which will be held in Pakistan the following month. Mc

Legendary South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis occupies the fifth spot thanks to his double-century against India at Centurion in 2010. He reached the milestone off just 267 balls before returning unbeaten on 201.