Cricket Ireland Goes Against Own Countrymen For Afghanistan

Cricket Ireland vows security for Afghanistan [Source: Cricket Ireland, AFP]

Cricket Ireland is set to host Afghanistan in a five-match ODI series next week. The tour will mark Afghanistan team’s fifth trip to the country, and the first since travelling to Ireland for a five-match T20I series back in 2022.

However, unlike previous tours, circumstances have drastically changed for Afghanistan cricket, with many cricket boards like the ECB and CA barring themselves from scheduling any bilateral series against the South Asian country.

Several protesting and human rights bodies in Ireland have expressed their displeasure against Cricket Ireland for hosting a series against Afghanistan, a country ruled by the Taliban. But, fortunately for the sport, Cricket Ireland has stated that it is drawing up appropriate security plans for the series amid the possibility of protests.

Ireland vows security arrangements for Afghanistan series

Cricket Ireland has vowed to put security arrangements in place for the visiting Afghanistan team and for the impending five-match ODI series in Ireland between August 5 and August 15 in Bready and Belfast. 

The cricket board has stated that it is already coordinating with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to ensure the series passes off without any incident. 

While speaking with the BBC Sport, Cricket Ireland said, “Appropriate security measures are in place, and all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure the safety and security of players, supporters, officials and staff.”

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The PSNI also claimed that an “appropriate and proportionate policing plan” will be put in place to ensure everyone’s safety, should there be protests during matches. 

Why is Ireland vs Afghanistan series marred by protest threats?

The series between Afghanistan and hosts Ireland faces protest threats over concerns surrounding Afghanistan’s human rights record under the Taliban rule. 

The criticism largely stems from the Taliban’s restrictions on basic women’s rights, including the effective dismantling of all women’s sports in Afghanistan, which has led several groups to question continued cricketing ties with the country.

Hosting Afghanistan series a “moral discomfort”, said Cricket Ireland

Earlier this year, Cricket Ireland chief executive Sarah Keane said that the board’s decision to host Afghanistan for a series came with some “moral discomfort” owing to the plight of women in the South Asian country. 

It is worth noting that not long ago, Keane was appointed to the ICC’s special task force for the Afghanistan women’s refugee team, who are currently working towards their possible participation in ICC events by the year 2030. 

Which other teams have openly voiced against Taliban?

With Cricket Ireland bracing itself for human rights protests against Afghanistan and the ruling Taliban government, several other cricket boards have already boycotted the Afghanistan team from their bilateral calendar.

For instance, boards like the ECB and Cricket Australia have previously cancelled their bilateral commitments against Afghanistan. However, both England and Australia cricket teams fulfil their match obligation against them in ICC tournaments like the World Cup, T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy. 

The ICC has also acknowledged the issue by establishing a Special Taskforce and a Development Pathway Programme for displaced Afghan women cricketers. 

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