G ayton McKenzie, the sports minister for South Africa, has backed calls to boycott Afghanistan during the Champions Trophy, which will be held in Pakistan the following month. Mc

By Mark Gleeson CAPE TOWN (Reuters) -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, Gayton McKenzie, has added his voice to the growing backlash at Afghanistan's participation in next month's ICC Champions Trophy, after comparing the Taliban regime's treatment of women in the country to Apartheid,

Saim Ayub's ankle injury has dealt a huge blow for Pakistan. The left-handed opener seems unlikely to recover in time for the upcoming Champions Trophy. A specialist in London was consulted for Saim Ayub's ankle issue and the words of caution have come straight from him.

Australia captain Pat Cummins is in doubt for the Champions Trophy after it was revealed that he had been managing an ankle problem during the Test series against India. It was confirmed on Thursday that Cummins would miss the two-Test tour of Sri Lanka (paternity leave) and will undergo scans on his ankle in the coming days to determine whether he will be able to lead the team in the Champions Trophy,