Cricket Scotland halts bilateral matches with Afghanistan

Cricket Scotland announced on Monday that it will not play bilateral matches against Afghanistan outside of International Cricket Council (ICC) events. The body cited the Taliban government's treatment of women and girls, and the overall human rights situation in the country, among the reasons for the decision. The decision is in line with that of Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

Women's sport in Afghanistan has been effectively banned since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Restrictions in education, employment and other areas also severely limit women's opportunities. The Taliban government, however, maintains that it respects rights in accordance with Islamic law and local customs, and states that internal matters should be addressed within the country.

Scotland has not played a full international match against Afghanistan since the 2021 T20 World Cup. Cricket Scotland said the Afghanistan Cricket Board had asked to use its training facilities twice this year. The first request came in July, ahead of Afghanistan's series against Ireland. The second request was made in September in connection with the T20 Afghanistan Premier League.

The body said it will continue to assess players under their contracts and may issue no-objection certificates for players if the ICC formally approves the league. Cricket Scotland stressed that this permission would not amount to support for the Taliban government or its policies. The policy will be reviewed once a year, or after a significant ICC decision or change in circumstances.