Cricket Scotland Rules Out Bilateral Fixtures with Afghanistan Over Women's Rights

Scotland will only face Afghanistan when the ICC requires it

Cricket Scotland announced on Monday 9 November 2026 that it will not proactively schedule bilateral series or standalone fixtures against Afghanistan men outside International Cricket Council (ICC) events, citing concerns over the treatment of women and girls under the Taliban government and wider human rights issues. The board also confirmed it will not host Afghanistan men for warm-up matches, practice games or pre-tour training camps. Scotland will therefore meet Afghanistan only when the ICC requires it, including at ICC events and warm-up matches. The policy takes immediate effect and will be kept under annual review.

Why the board acted now

The decision follows a review that the Scotland board launched after the Afghanistan Cricket Board approached the organisation over the use of Scottish training facilities during the summer of 2026, ahead of Afghanistan's tour of Ireland. Scotland have not played Afghanistan in a full international match since the 2021 T20 World Cup. The board said it will not schedule matches against Afghanistan "unless there is a material change in the circumstances surrounding Afghanistan women's cricket and wider human rights considerations". Any material change, or a relevant ICC decision, could prompt a reassessment of the position.

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Scotland join Australia and England in the stance

Scotland's move aligns with positions already taken by Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board, which confirmed in May 2026 that it would not approve bilateral matches against Afghanistan outside ICC events. Women's sport has effectively disappeared in Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, while access to education and employment for women has been severely curtailed. Afghanistan were granted Full Member status by the ICC in 2017. The Taliban say they respect women's rights in accordance with their interpretation of Islamic law and local customs, and that internal matters should be addressed locally.

What the policy does not cover

The policy does not stop Scotland's contracted players from taking part in the Afghan league if the ICC approves it. Cricket Scotland said it would still consider issuing no-objection certificates for players in that case, and that participation by a player must not be interpreted as an endorsement of the current Afghan regime or its policies. The decision comes days before the second edition of the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy 2026, to be held in the United Arab Emirates from 12 to 25 November.

Frequently asked questions

What did Cricket Scotland decide? It will not proactively schedule bilateral series or tri-series involving Afghanistan men outside ICC events, and will not host Afghanistan for warm-up matches, practice games or pre-tour camps.

Will Scotland still play Afghanistan at ICC events? Yes, Scotland will meet Afghanistan when the ICC requires it, including at ICC events and warm-up matches.

When was the decision announced? Monday 9 November 2026, after a board review launched in the summer of 2026.

Which other boards have taken the same stance? Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board, which confirmed its position in May 2026.

Can Scotland players still play in the Afghan league? Cricket Scotland said it would still consider issuing no-objection certificates if the ICC approves the league, and that playing must not be read as an endorsement of the regime.

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Sources: Sportstar (The Hindu); Geo Super; CricTracker; Female Cricket; Rediff.