Delhi: Scotland Cricket has taken a shocking step against the Afghan team. Scotland has made it clear that it will not play any bilateral series against Afghanistan except in International Cricket Council (ICC) events. The main reason for this decision is the concerns expressed regarding the rights of women and girls under Taliban rule.

Steps taken regarding women's rights

According to Scotland Cricket, since the return of Taliban to power in the year 2021, sports opportunities for women in Afghanistan have almost ended. Apart from this, there are many restrictions on women's access to education and employment.

The Taliban government says it respects women's rights in accordance with Islamic law and local traditions. He believes that the internal matters of the country should be resolved at the local level.

This decision of Scotland is similar to the stance of Cricket Australia (CA) and England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Both the boards have already suspended bilateral cricket relations with Afghanistan. It is noteworthy that Afghanistan got full membership of ICC in 2017.

The decision will be reviewed every year

Cricket Scotland said in its statement on Monday, “This policy will be reviewed every year. It will also be re-examined in the event of any major ICC decision or significant change in circumstances.”

NOC opened for players

Scotland also revealed that the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) had asked for training facilities ahead of the men's team's series against Ireland in July. After this, practice facilities were also sought from Scotland for the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) in September.

Cricket Scotland will also consider its contractual responsibilities with the players. If the ICC gives official approval to Afghanistan's domestic league, then Scottish players can obtain the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC).

The board made it clear that a player getting NOC will not mean that he is supporting the current government of Afghanistan or its policies.