SA reaffirms support for women's cricket ahead of Afghanistan series

The South African Cricketers' Association (SACA) has issued a statement in support of promoting the participation of women in cricket as South Africa's men's team prepares to play three ODIs against Afghanistan in the UAE, reports espncricinfo.com.

Afghanistan is the only ICC Full Member that does not have a women's team, with significant restrictions imposed on women in the country under the Taliban government.

This is the first bilateral series between the two countries and only the third time South Africa will play 50-over cricket against Afghanistan after meeting them at the 2019 and 2023 World Cups. These fixtures are not part of the 2023-2027 Future Tours Programme (FTP) and have been added to the calendar as CSA seeks more competitive opportunities for its teams. SACA welcomed these additions, and said in a statement they "respect the position of CSA in this regard as the national governing body for cricket."

However, SACA, on behalf of the players, wanted to add a voice of concern for the "deteriorating human rights for women under the Taliban rule," and reiterate their support in promoting women's cricket everywhere.

"World Cricketers' Association and SACA do not condone any situation in which women's players are excluded from competing in our sport," Andrew Breetzke, SACA CEO and WCA board member, said.

"Every athlete has the right to equality of opportunity which is protected by international law and set out in the Universal Declaration of Player Rights.