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.

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.

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.

Captain Temba Bavuma highlights a special momentum in South Africa's test team after their seventh successive win against Pakistan. Despite suggestions of an easy run, Bavuma asserts the team has untapped potential as they prepare for the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's.

Former Northern Ireland first minister Baroness Foster has called for the England men's cricket team to boycott a match against Afghanistan. She is one of seven MPs and peers from Northern Ireland, along with more than 160 other parliamentarians,