Cricket Ireland says appropriate security plans have been put in place for the forthcoming men's one-day series against Afghanistan, amid the possibility of protests. The governing body has been liaising with stakeholders, including the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), to ensure the five ODIs pass off without incident.
Cricket Ireland's decision to host the series has been criticised because of the plight of women in Afghanistan, who face severe restrictions on their rights and freedoms, with widespread barriers to education, employment, movement, public participation and personal autonomy under Taliban rule.
The first two ODIs will be played in Bready next Wednesday and Friday, with the remaining three fixtures at Stormont on 10, 12 and 15 August.
“Appropriate security measures are in place, and all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure the safety and security of players, supporters, officials and staff,”
Cricket Ireland told in a statement.
The PSNI said it did not comment on operational matters but that an appropriate and proportionate policing plan will be in place to ensure the safety of everyone involved should there be protests at the matches.
“The right to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly are fundamental human rights. They are protected in law and allow individuals to engage in peaceful protest,”
said a PSNI spokesperson.
“However, these rights are limited by the need to uphold the rights of others, protect public health and safety, minimise disruption to normal life and by the need to prevent and detect crime.
“If the Police Service identifies potential criminal offences, or unacceptable impact on the rights of others, we will take lawful and proportionate action.”
How have other boards approached Afghanistan fixtures?
Neither England nor Australia schedule bilateral series against Afghanistan, although they fulfil fixtures against them at major international tournaments.
Cricket Ireland chief executive Sarah Keane said shortly after she was appointed earlier this year that the decision to host Afghanistan this summer came with some moral discomfort given the plight of women in the country.
Female participation in sport has effectively been outlawed since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Women have been banned from universities, parks and sports, while the Taliban raided the homes of female athletes and many women's cricketers fled Afghanistan for their safety.
Keane was recently appointed to the International Cricket Council's (ICC) special taskforce for the Afghan women's refugee team, who are working towards participation in official qualifying events by 2030.
Why are campaigners concerned about the series?
Amnesty International said the right to protest during the series should be fully respected by police and organisers alike.
Felix Jakens, a spokesperson for Amnesty International, also called upon Cricket Ireland, its players and the ICC to be united in speaking out on the plight of women in Afghanistan.
“As we've seen with other regimes seeking to use sport to launder their image, the Taliban will look to harness this series for propaganda purposes,”
Jakens told .
“Cricket Ireland and the ICC should ensure that isn't allowed to happen.
“The least they can do is ensure the women and girls of Afghanistan are on the minds of audiences watching, and that this series doesn't become a free propaganda boost for the Taliban.”
The Women's Resource & Development Agency, a Belfast-based organisation which seeks to advance women's equality and participation in society, questioned whether the matches should go ahead at all.
“The state of human rights in Afghanistan, and especially the absence of the most fundamental rights of women, should be on everyone's mind as the men's team take on Afghanistan's men's team in cricket,”
it added in a statement.
“There are legitimate questions as to whether Cricket Ireland should allow such an opportunity to a team which represents a state in which women are second-class citizens at best.”
Stirling returns for Wilson's first Ireland ODIs
Get cricket news sent straight to your phone
ECB blocks Lord's plan for Euro Nations Cup
