No More Bilateral Games: Scotland Stands with Afghan Women in Cricket Decision

Cricket Scotland has taken a decisive stand, declaring that it will not organise any bilateral cricket matches against Afghanistan apart from those required by the International Cricket Council. The ruling is a direct response to the Taliban's ongoing violations of women’s and girls’ rights in Afghanistan.

The board has communicated the new policy to all contracted cricketers, underscoring that contract obligations will be met without implying any political support for the current Afghan administration. An NOC issued by Scotland will not be read as an endorsement of the Taliban regime.

Future encounters with Afghanistan will be limited to ICC tournaments and associated warm‑up games. The board insists that a significant improvement in the status of women’s cricket and overall human rights in Afghanistan is a prerequisite for any further bilateral engagement.

Afghanistan’s recent appeal to use Scottish training facilities ahead of its Ireland series was declined due to the last‑minute nature of the request and the unavailability of suitable venues. The decision also reflects a broader review of ties with the Afghanistan Cricket Board, especially concerning the Afghanistan Premier League T20 and the potential involvement of Scottish players.

Only George Munsey, drafted into the APL, remains a Scottish representative, but his NOC will be withheld until the league receives ICC approval. Since the 2021 T20 World Cup, Scotland and Afghanistan have faced each other exclusively in ICC warm‑up matches for the 2024 and 2026 tournaments.