AFG vs SA: Bavuma speaks against women's cricket ban in Afghanistan

South Africa’s Test and ODI captain Temba Bavuma has supported Afghanistan women playing cricket and criticised the ban by the Taliban regime saying that he wants everyone to have a fair chance within society. 

Speaking at the pre-series press conference ahead of South Africa’s tour of the United Arab Emirates where they will play Afghanistan in three ODIs, Bavuma said that he supports the South African Cricketers Association (SACA) statement. 

"I look at it in my capacity. It's quite strong within my values. I support the idea of inclusivity and caring for women. We know that that is relevant to us as a country in South Africa. I'm fully behind the sentiments that are expressed by SACA,’ Bavuma was quoted as saying to ESPNcricinfo. 

SACA had asked the CSA to use this opportunity to protect the ‘rights for Afghanistan's women's players’ and give them the much-needed respect that they fully deserve.

Saying that he is not the right authority to choose whether South Africa should play the Afghanistan men’s team or not, Bavuma enforced the fact that people responsible must make their voices heard. 

Australia became the first team to discontinue bilateral sporting relations with Afghanistan after the Taliban banned the women’s participation in sports, including cricket and most of the 25 contracted women’s players left the country for Australia where they are seeking asylum as refugees. 

England followed suit and said that till the time women’s cricket doesn’t return to Afghanistan, they would not indulge in bilateral cricket with the Afghan men’s team. However, both the teams did play against the Afghans in the ICC events.

After Afghanistan, the Proteas will play Ireland in two T20Is and three ODIs in the UAE itself. 

If you’ve not downloaded the Cricket.com app yet, you’re missing out on our content — big time. Download the App here.