Cricket Scotland Suspends Bilateral Ties With Afghanistan Over Taliban’s Treatment of Women, Girls

Cricket Scotland has announced that it will not schedule bilateral matches or participate in tri-series involving Afghanistan outside International Cricket Council (ICC) events, citing concerns over the Taliban government’s treatment of women and girls. The decision, announced on Monday, November 9, means Scotland will continue to face Afghanistan in ICC competitions but will not independently arrange cricketing engagements with the country unless there is a material change in circumstances. The policy also reflects the Scottish board’s commitment to increasing women’s and girls’ participation in cricket.

The move brings Cricket Scotland in line with Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), which have also restricted bilateral cricketing ties with Afghanistan over women’s rights concerns.

Why Has Cricket Scotland Restricted Cricketing Ties With Afghanistan?