Scotland Suspends Bilateral Cricket Matches Against Afghanistan Over Women's Rights

2026, November 10

Scotland / Afghanistan

Cricket Scotland announced that it would no longer schedule bilateral international matches against Afghanistan outside International Cricket Council competitions. The decision was taken in response to the Taliban government's treatment of women and girls, particularly restrictions on education, employment and participation in sport since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

Scotland joins Australia and England in taking similar action against bilateral cricket fixtures with Afghanistan. The policy will be reviewed annually or following significant developments by the ICC. The decision highlights the growing intersection between international sport, human rights and political accountability, while leaving Afghanistan's participation in ICC-organised tournaments unaffected.