Last Updated: November 10, 2026 07:59 PM
Cricket is a sport, but it sometimes intersects with serious global issues. A new decision from a European cricket board has started a fresh discussion. Here is a clear and fair look at the facts.
What Cricket Scotland Decided
Cricket Scotland refused to play non-ICC matches against Afghanistan, citing concerns about women and girls. The board made this policy change at a recent board meeting. The rule covers the Scottish men’s team and does not include its women’s team.
Scotland will not proactively schedule bilateral or tri-series matches with Afghanistan’s men. The restriction also covers practice games, so the teams will not share a ground. The board says it will rethink only after major progress on women’s cricket and human rights.
“Cricket Scotland will continue to participate in any fixtures against Afghanistan Men at ICC events which are determined by ICC competition regulations. Participation in these fixtures should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the current Afghan regime or its policies,” a portion of the statement reads.
ICC Matches Will Continue
Scotland will still play Afghanistan in tournaments run by the ICC. The board says playing those games does not mean it supports the Taliban government. It wants to support women’s rights and encourage progress in Afghan women’s cricket.
ICC rules link full membership with women’s cricket, yet Afghanistan’s men still play ICC events.
The ECB opposes bilateral matches against Afghanistan but still plays them in ICC tournaments. Cricket Australia has also suspended bilateral cricket relations with Afghanistan. Both boards also cite concerns about women’s and girls’ rights under Taliban rule.
Some critics argue such moves punish players instead of the government. Supporters say the steps show solidarity with Afghan women and girls.
The Afghanistan Premier League Question
Reporters also asked Cricket Scotland about the upcoming Afghanistan Premier League. George Munsey was the only Scottish cricketer picked in the APL draft last week. The board will consider giving him a No Objection Certificate if the ICC approves the tournament.
Cricket Scotland also says it will honour its contract duties to players. Even with a certificate, a player’s participation would not mean support for the Taliban government.
What Happens Next
Fans can expect more debate as other boards watch this decision closely. The ICC may also face fresh questions about women’s cricket in Afghanistan.
In short, Cricket Scotland refused to play non-ICC matches against Afghanistan and made its reasons clear.
