Scotland suspends cricket ties with Afghanistan over Taliban regime polices

Cricket Scotland has announced that it will not schedule bilateral matches against Afghanistan outside International Cricket Council (ICC) events, citing concerns over human rights and the treatment of women and girls under the Taliban regime.

Women's sport has effectively disappeared in Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, while women have also faced severe restrictions on access to education and employment.

The Taliban say they respect women's rights in accordance with their interpretation of Islamic law and local customs, adding that internal matters should be addressed within the country.

Scotland's decision follows similar moves by Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), both of which have suspended bilateral cricket ties with Afghanistan. The ICC granted Afghanistan Full Member status in 2017.

"This policy will be kept under review annually or following any significant ICC decision or material change in circumstances," Cricket Scotland said in a statement on Monday.

The governing body said its decision reflected its commitment to expanding women's and girls' participation in cricket, as well as concerns over the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.

Reuters said it had contacted the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) for comment.

Scotland have not played Afghanistan in a full international match since the 2021 Twenty20 World Cup. However, Cricket Scotland said the ACB had requested training facilities in July ahead of Afghanistan's men's series against Ireland.

The ACB also sought access to training facilities in Scotland in September in connection with the Afghanistan T20 Premier League, it added.

Cricket Scotland said it would continue to consider its contractual obligations to players and issue no-objection certificates (NOCs) if the ICC grants the Afghan league official approval.

"If an NOC is issued, participation by that player/s must not be interpreted as an endorsement by Cricket Scotland of the current Afghan regime or its policies," the statement said.