In a decision that has sparked disappointment among Afghan chess lovers, the Taliban government has announced an indefinite suspension of chess across Afghanistan, citing concerns that the game promotes gambling and contradicts Islamic principles.
The ban is consistent with the Taliban’s broader strategy of enforcing a strict interpretation of Islamic Sharia law across all aspects of public life. Atal Mashwani, spokesperson for the Taliban’s sports directorate, confirmed, “There are religious considerations regarding the sport of chess.” He added that the ban would remain in effect until those concerns are addressed.
Chess joins a growing list of sports and recreational activities that have been restricted since the Taliban regained power in August 2021. Women, in particular, have faced sweeping bans from sports, while public entertainment and cultural expression have also been severely curtailed.
Local business owners are already feeling the impact of the chess ban. Azizullah Gulzada, a Kabul café owner who regularly hosted informal chess competitions, expressed his dismay. “Young people don’t have many options for entertainment these days,” he said. “Chess gave them a reason to gather, socialize, and relax. This ban will hurt not just the players, but also small businesses like mine.”
Gulzada also pointed out that chess is played widely across the Muslim world without similar bans. “Countries with Islamic governments continue to embrace chess. Why not us?” he asked, echoing growing frustration among Afghan youth who feel increasingly deprived of recreational outlets.
This is not the first time the Taliban has banned a sport. Last year, mixed martial arts (MMA) was also prohibited, with officials calling it violent and inconsistent with Islamic values. “It was found that the sport is problematic with respect to Sharia and contradicts Islamic teachings,” a spokesperson said at the time.
These ongoing restrictions are part of the Taliban’s effort to reshape Afghan society according to their ideological framework. However, critics warn that such policies are further isolating Afghanistan and stifling the personal and cultural development of its people.
