South Africa’s sports minister joins growing calls for boycott of Afghanistan

  • Afghanistan to feature at upcoming Champions Trophy
  • England and South Africa are in group with Afghanistan

South Africa’s sports minister has joined 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.

England and South Africa share the same group with Afghanistan in the competition and are under pressure to boycott the fixtures in response to the Taliban government’s crackdown on women’s rights since returning to power in August 2021. South Africa are scheduled to open their Champions Trophy against Afghanistan in Karachi on 21 February but McKenzie urged his country’s cricket governing body not to honour the fixture.

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Archie Vaughan, son of Ashes winner Michael, named England U-19 captain

  • Vaughan senior led England in 51 Tests
  • Archie will lead on tour of South Africa

Archie Vaughan is following in the footsteps of his father, Michael, after being named as England Under-19 captain. Vaughan senior led his country in 51 Tests, including the Ashes triumph of 2005, but first captain his country at under-19 level in 1993-94. Archie, who broke into the Somerset side as an all-rounder last season, has now been handed the same honour for the tour of South Africa.

His side will take on the Proteas in three Youth ODIs and two Youth Tests in Cape Town and Stellenbosch between 17 January and 6 February.

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