Kabul, Afghanistan – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the international sports community, the Taliban government, under the leadership of Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, is reportedly preparing to ban cricket in Afghanistan, declaring the sport to be “against Sharia law.”
According to sources within the regime, Akhundzada believes that cricket violates the principles of Islamic law and has expressed concern over what he describes as the “harmful” effects of the game on society. The decision has sparked immediate outrage and disbelief, particularly given Afghanistan’s long-standing passion for cricket, a sport that has united the war-torn nation on the global stage.
The Taliban had previously made headlines when they banned women from playing any sport, citing that women’s participation in physical activities contradicts their strict interpretation of Islamic values. This latest announcement, however, represents a dramatic escalation, as it targets the country’s male athletes and cricket fans, a sport that has garnered Afghanistan international recognition.
A Nation’s Passion Under Threat
Cricket holds a special place in the hearts of many Afghans, with the country producing several globally recognized players who have brought Afghanistan into the international cricket arena. The Afghan national team has not only participated in several World Cup events but also achieved significant victories in international T20 and ODI matches, bringing hope and pride to millions of citizens.
For many, cricket has been a rare escape from the hardships of conflict and poverty, serving as a unifying force across ethnic and political lines. The prospect of its ban has been met with immediate dismay by fans, players, and commentators around the world.
One former national team player, speaking anonymously, said, “This decision is devastating. Cricket is more than just a game in Afghanistan. It’s a symbol of hope, peace, and unity for our people. To ban it would be to ban a part of our soul.”
International Outcry
The news of the impending ban has sparked an outpouring of criticism from the international community. Sports organizations, human rights groups, and governments worldwide have condemned the Taliban’s decision, calling it an extreme violation of personal freedom and cultural heritage.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) expressed its concern in a statement, saying, “We are deeply troubled by reports that cricket may soon be banned in Afghanistan. This is not just a blow to the sport but to the people of Afghanistan who have embraced cricket as a source of pride and international engagement.”
Countries like India, Australia, and England, where Afghan cricketers have found both respect and opportunity, have also voiced their disapproval, urging the Taliban to reconsider this drastic measure.
The Taliban’s Growing Restrictions on Sports
The Taliban’s stance on sports has hardened significantly since their return to power in August 2021. While the regime initially allowed some sports activities to continue, their approach has grown more conservative in recent months. Women have been completely banned from participating in any sporting events, and this latest move to outlaw cricket altogether signals a further tightening of restrictions on public life in Afghanistan.
According to insiders, the Taliban’s leadership believes that cricket, particularly its competitive nature and public visibility, contradicts the group’s interpretation of Islamic values. Akhundzada and other senior figures within the regime have also voiced concerns over the “corrupting” influence of the sport, both culturally and socially.
What Lies Ahead for Afghan Cricket?
The future of cricket in Afghanistan remains uncertain. While official decrees banning the sport have not yet been publicly released, the Taliban’s control over the media and public institutions makes it highly likely that the ban could be enforced in the near future.
The Afghan national cricket team, currently preparing for international events, may be forced to disband or flee the country in order to continue their careers abroad. Several high-profile Afghan players, including stars like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, have built successful careers in foreign leagues, and many are expected to speak out against the ban in the coming days.
For now, the world waits to see how the Taliban will move forward with its plan to ban cricket—a decision that could have far-reaching implications not only for the sport but for the people of Afghanistan who view it as a rare source of joy and pride amid decades of turmoil.
As the global cricketing community holds its breath, the fate of Afghanistan’s beloved sport hangs in the balance.