Temba Bavuma stands firm on SACA’s stand on women’s cricket in Afghanistan ahead of their upcoming ODI series.
Temba Bavuma has joined the SACA in demanding an end to gender-based discrimination in Afghanistan. This prevents women from participating in sports and other facets of public life.
Speaking prior to South Africa’s departure for the United Arab Emirates, where they will play Afghanistan in three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) starting next week, Bavuma stated that South Africans are in a unique position to relate to those who are experiencing abuses of their human rights because their own system of legalised racial segregation ended thirty years ago. Bavuma insists that women’s rights be given a good look.
“I look at it in my personal capacity. It’s obviously something that is quite strong within my own values,” he said. “I support the idea of inclusivity and caring for women. We want everyone to have a fair chance within society. And we know that that is something that is relevant to us as a country in South Africa. Furthermore, I’m fully behind the sentiments that the SACA echoes.”
The issue of women’s cricket in Afghanistan is still under discussion by the ICC. The CSA has been silent on whether any statements in support of Afghan women were spoken in advance. Bavuma and white-ball coach Rob Walter have chosen to leave the decision to play Afghanistan on the pitch to CSA. Rob Walter stated on Monday that he had no say in the matter.
“All in all, I’ve got to respect the fact that there are people in positions who have that responsibility to speak more eloquently and articulate a little bit more of it,” Bavuma said. “In my own personal capacity, I definitely support the stance and the sentiments expressed by SACA.
“And I can understand where Rob as well is coming from in that we have to do a job in the cricketing field. And a lot of our energy will consequently be given to it.”