![Scotland rule out bilateral cricket with Afghanistan [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1794282360719_AghanistanScotland.jpg?type=hq)
Scotland rule out bilateral cricket with Afghanistan [Source: AFP]
In a significant development, Cricket Scotland has announced a major change to its cricketing ties with Afghanistan. The board will no longer schedule bilateral matches against the Asian side, taking a stand against the Taliban government.
The decision comes in response to the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan. However, Scotland will continue to face the Asian side in ICC events while keeping other cricketing commitments restricted.
Scotland To Stop Playing Bilateral Cricket With Afghanistan Over Treatment Of Women
Cricket Scotland's board reviewed its relationship with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) earlier this year before introducing the new policy. The Taliban government's treatment of women and girls was a key reason behind the decision.
Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have imposed several restrictions on women, affecting their access to education, employment and public life. Afghanistan also remains without a recognised women's national cricket team.
Scotland To Play Afghanistan Only In ICC Events
Under the new policy announced on Tuesday, Scotland will continue to play Afghanistan in ICC tournaments whenever competition rules require them to do so. This will also cover warm-up fixtures organised as part of ICC events.
However, Cricket Scotland will not arrange bilateral series or take part in tri-series involving Afghanistan unless there is a significant change in the situation surrounding women's cricket and wider human rights concerns.
Scotland will also avoid hosting or taking part in Afghanistan's pre-tour training camps and practice matches outside ICC events, maintaining its position on bilateral cricket engagements with them.
Scotland Join Australia And England In Afghanistan Boycott
Cricket Scotland have now joined Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in taking a similar position on Afghanistan. Both boards have previously raised concerns over the Taliban government's treatment of women and girls.
Meanwhile, Scotland will continue to honour its contractual obligations towards players involved in franchise cricket. George Munsey, the only Scottish player picked in the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) draft, can receive an NOC if the league gets ICC approval.
Munsey's or any other Scottish player's future participation will not represent an endorsement of the Afghan regime, while Cricket Scotland will review its policy annually or after any major change in circumstances.
