Afghanistan cricket faces an uncertain future as reports emerge suggesting that the Taliban may impose a ban on all forms of the sport. According to WION, Afghanistan’s Supreme Leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, has announced plans for a gradual ban on cricket. However, there has been no official confirmation from the Taliban government.
This ban could be a huge setback for Afghanistan’s cricketing ambitions. Women’s cricket is already banned in the country. In 2021, the Taliban banned female participation in sports, sparking global outrage. In response, Australia cancelled their scheduled bilateral series against the Afghanistan men’s team.
Akhundzada reportedly opposes cricket, citing its “harmful effects” and claiming that the sport violates Sharia Law. This stance has caused a divide within the Taliban leadership. Akhunzada leads one faction, while Sirajuddin Haqqani, brother of Anas Haqqani—a major investor in Afghanistan cricket—heads the other. The internal rift reflects differing views on the sport’s future in the country.
Ironically, this controversy comes at a time when Afghanistan cricket is experiencing unprecedented success. The national team recently stunned the world with victories over Pakistan and England during the 2023 World Cup, nearly securing a spot in the knockout stages. Their performance continued to shine at the T20 World Cup, where they made history by reaching the semi-finals for the first time, beating teams like Australia along the way.
Afghanistan was also set to host New Zealand for their first-ever Test match in Greater Noida, India. However, the match, scheduled for September 13, was abandoned without a ball being bowled over five days.
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