EDINBURGH – Scotland has decided not to play bilateral cricket against Afghanistan, joining England and Australia in restricting cricketing engagements with the Afghan team over concerns about women’s rights and the human rights situation in the country.
Cricket Scotland issued a statement clarifying its position on cricketing ties with Afghanistan, saying it would continue to compete against the Afghan team in International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments.
However, the governing body stressed that participation in ICC events should not be interpreted as support for Afghanistan’s current government or its policies.
Cricket Scotland said it would refrain from playing bilateral series against Afghanistan until there was a meaningful improvement in the situation of women’s cricket and human rights in the country.
The decision also extends to other cricketing activities. Scotland will not participate in any triangular series involving Afghanistan or engage in joint training camps, practice matches or warm-up fixtures with the Afghan team.
Regarding the Afghanistan Premier League (APL), Cricket Scotland clarified that the participation of Scottish players in the tournament would not amount to an endorsement of the Afghan government or its policies.
The statement also outlined previous contacts with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). In July, the Afghan board had requested access to training facilities ahead of its series against Ireland. However, the request was declined following consultations and consideration of Scotland’s position on Afghanistan.
Cricket Scotland said the decisions concerning Afghanistan had been taken after communication with the ACB.
The Afghan board approached Cricket Scotland again in September, seeking assistance in connection with the Afghanistan Premier League.
The latest announcement reflects Cricket Scotland’s effort to maintain a distinction between participation in international competitions governed by the ICC and bilateral or other cricketing engagements with Afghanistan.
