Why Scotland suspended cricket ties with Afghanistan outside of ICC events

Cricket Scotland said its decision was guided by its commitment to increasing the participation of women and girls in sport. Cricket Scotland has decided to suspend cricket engagements with Afghanistan outside of International Cricket Council (ICC) events, citing the Taliban government’s treatment of women and girls and wider human rights concerns.The governing body will continue to play Afghanistan in ICC tournaments, but will not proactively plan bilateral series or participate in tri-series involving the men’s side unless there is a substantial change in circumstances surrounding women’s cricket in the country and wider human rights aspects.The decision was approved by the Cricket Scotland Board at a recent Cricket Scotland Council Limited (CSCL) meeting, following an approach by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) seeking access to training facilities in Scotland.“Cricket Scotland will not proactively plan a bilateral series or participate in a tri-series involving Afghanistan men unless there is a substantial change in the circumstances surrounding women’s cricket in Afghanistan and wider human rights considerations,” the governing body said in a statement.

Why Scotland opposed cricket in Afghanistan

Cricket Scotland said its decision was driven by its strategic commitment to increase the participation of women and girls in sport, along with concerns about the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.Women’s sports in the country have effectively disappeared since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Women and girls also faced severe restrictions on education and employment opportunities.One of Cricket Scotland’s four strategic priorities is the development and growth of cricket for women and girls. His advice considered the treatment of women and girls, the country’s humanitarian situation, its commitment to equality, consultation with the government and the stance of the other major cricket governing bodies.The move follows similar decisions by Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to suspend bilateral cricket engagements with Afghanistan over concerns about women’s rights.The Taliban government insists that it respects women’s rights in accordance with its interpretation of Islamic law and local customs, and that internal affairs should be dealt with at the local level.

ICC matches allowed but training facilities denied

Cricket Scotland has clarified that its policy does not apply to ICC tournaments where draws will be determined by competition rules.“Cricket Scotland will continue to participate in any matches against Afghanistan Men at ICC events as determined by the ICC competition regulations,” the statement read.However, the governing body will not host or participate in pre-tour preparation camps, practice matches or warm-up matches involving Afghanistan outside of ICC events.The ACB approached Cricket Scotland in July looking for training facilities ahead of the men’s series against Ireland. The second application was made in September in relation to the Afghanistan Premier League (APL). The July request was denied due to operational constraints and to allow the board to consider its position.In terms of franchise cricket, Cricket Scotland said it would honor its contractual obligations to players and issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) if the ICC gives official approval to the Afghan league.“If a NOC is issued, the participation of this player/s must not be interpreted as an endorsement by Cricket Scotland of the current Afghan regime or its policies,” the statement read.The Policy will be revised annually or after any significant ICC decision or material change in circumstances.