The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has publicly criticized Cricket Ireland for hosting Afghanistan in a five-match ODI series, sparking a row over the future of bilateral cricket ties between the two nations.
Ireland's decision to host Afghanistan, despite England's refusal to play bilateral cricket against the Taliban-ruled country due to concerns over women's rights, has put its relationship with the ECB under strain. According to a report in The Guardian, Ireland's move could affect its future cricket ties with England.
Cricket Ireland has built close ties with the Afghanistan Cricket Board and is hosting the five ODIs this month under a reciprocal arrangement. Ireland will tour the United Arab Emirates in March next year to play Afghanistan in one Test, three ODIs, and three T20Is.
The ECB's policy is supported by the UK government, but Cricket Ireland has taken a different approach. Ireland is not the only country to continue playing bilateral cricket with Afghanistan; the West Indies, Zimbabwe, and four Asian ICC Full Members also maintain ties with the Afghanistan Cricket Board.
England has refused to play bilateral cricket against Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in 2021 and banned women's sport. The ECB has instead supported Afghan women cricketers in other ways, organizing a tour of England for the Afghan Refugee Women's team this summer and inviting them to attend the T20 World Cup final at Lord's.
The ECB's relationship with Cricket Ireland has already been under pressure. England declined an invitation to take part in the proposed Euro Nations Cup next year, citing a packed international schedule. The ECB sent a second-string squad to a three-match T20I series in Ireland last September.
The ECB's stance on Afghanistan is based on concerns over the Taliban's "gender apartheid," according to ECB chair Richard Thompson. England continues to face Afghanistan in ICC events, where tournament points and titles are at stake. Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand have also refused to play bilateral cricket against Afghanistan.
The latest development in the row between the ECB and Cricket Ireland comes as England prepares to host Ireland in a three-match ODI series next month. The ECB's decision to criticize Cricket Ireland's hosting of Afghanistan is likely to put further pressure on the relationship between the two boards.
Source: Yahoo Sports