Cricket Ireland braces for protests ahead of 2026 Afghanistan ODI series as Amnesty warns against 'Taliban propaganda'
· Yahoo Sports
Cricket Ireland braces for protests ahead of 2026 Afghanistan ODI series as Amnesty warns against 'Taliban propaganda' originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Visit sport-newz.biz for more information.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Cricket Ireland finalises security plans amid protest threats over Afghanistan ODI series.
- Amnesty International warns Taliban could exploit series for propaganda purposes.
- Five ODIs are scheduled across Bready and Stormont starting next week.
Cricket Ireland readies security plans as protests loom over Afghanistan series
Cricket Ireland has confirmed it has put together what it describes as suitable security measures ahead of the upcoming men's ODI series against Afghanistan, with organisers bracing for the possibility of Taliban demonstrations around the fixtures.
The board has been in regular contact with various stakeholders, including the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), to make sure the five-match series runs smoothly and without disruption.
The decision to go ahead with hosting Afghanistan has faced massive criticism from fans, largely tied to the harsh restrictions imposed on women's lives under Taliban rule, ranging from limited access to education and jobs to tight curbs on freedom of movement, public involvement, and personal choice.
The opening two matches of the series are set for Bready next Wednesday and Friday, followed by three further fixtures at Stormont on August 10, 12, and 15.
In a statement to BBC Sport, Cricket Ireland said proper security protocols were in place and that every necessary step had been taken to protect players, fans, officials, and staff throughout the series.
A PSNI spokesperson noted that while freedom of speech and peaceful assembly are legally protected rights that allow for lawful protest, those rights also come with limits.
"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."
(getty)
Amnesty raises alarm over Taliban image-building
Notably, neither England nor Australia currently schedule bilateral series against Afghanistan, though both sides do face them at ICC events. Cricket Ireland's chief executive Sarah Keane, not long after taking up her role earlier this year, admitted that hosting Afghanistan this summer brought a degree of unease given the situation facing women in the country.
Since the Taliban's return to power in 2021, women have effectively been shut out of sport entirely, banned from universities, public parks, and athletic participation altogether, with reports of the Taliban raiding the homes of female athletes, prompting many women cricketers to flee the country for their own safety.
MORE:Cricket's 10 biggest cheating scandals of all time
Nonetheless, Amnesty International spokesperson Felix Jakens said the right to peacefully protest around the series must be fully honoured by both police and event organisers.
"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 BBC Sport.
"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."
An Afghan refugee women's team on the cards by 2030
Keane herself has since joined the ICC's dedicated task force working to help the Afghan women's refugee team reach official qualifying tournaments by 2030.
Mel Jones, the former Australia player-turned-commentator, is another key figure in the efforts. Although they won't play under the banner of Afghanistan, they will, however, play with a different name.
"The continued support for these remarkable women, alongside a clear roadmap towards ICC qualification pathways by 2030, represents an important commitment to their future," Jones said.
"It sends a powerful message that talent and determination deserve opportunity. These players are role models, inspiring women and girls around the world, and it's exciting to see a long-term pathway that balances development with meaningful competition while recognising their unique journey. The progress they've made over the past year has been extraordinary, and I can't wait to see what this team achieves by 2030."
Afghanistan Tour of Ireland 2026 Schedule
MatchDateVenueTime (Local)Time (IST)1st ODIWednesday, August 5, 2026Bready Cricket Club, Magheramason10:45 AM3:15 PM2nd ODIFriday, August 7, 2026Bready Cricket Club, Magheramason10:45 AM3:15 PM3rd ODIMonday, August 10, 2026Stormont Cricket Ground, Belfast10:45 AM3:15 PM4th ODIWednesday, August 12, 2026Stormont Cricket Ground, Belfast10:45 AM3:15 PM5th ODISaturday, August 15, 2026Stormont Cricket Ground, Belfast10:45 AM3:15 PMFor all the latest cricket news, opinion, and commentary and to share your voice, head to our Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) pages.