Scotland Suspends Bilateral Cricket Ties with Afghanistan over Women’s Rights

DID Press: Cricket Scotland has announced that it will not schedule bilateral matches against Afghanistan outside International Cricket Council (ICC) competitions, citing restrictions on the rights of women and girls under Taliban rule.

In a statement, the Scottish cricket governing body said its decision was driven by concerns over restrictions imposed on women and girls in Afghanistan, particularly in sports, education and employment.

Cricket Scotland said the policy reflected its commitment to expanding women’s and girls’ participation in sport, as well as concerns about the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.

The decision brings Scotland into line with Australia and England, whose cricket governing bodies have previously suspended bilateral cricket engagements with Afghanistan over similar concerns.

However, Scotland will continue to play Afghanistan in competitions organised under ICC regulations. The federation also said the policy would be reviewed annually, or following significant ICC decisions or substantial changes in circumstances surrounding women’s cricket and human rights in Afghanistan.