The Taliban government in Afghanistan has banned chess indefinitely, citing concerns over its compatibility with Islamic sharia law and allegations that it constitutes a form of gambling. The fundamentalist group, which seized power in 2021, announced the prohibition on Sunday, adding it to an extensive list of restricted activities.
Atal Mashwani, a spokesperson for the Taliban’s Sports Directorate, stated that chess is “considered a means of gambling” under sharia law. He emphasized that “religious considerations” must be resolved before the game can be reintroduced, declaring in a report to AFP that “until these considerations are addressed, the sport of chess is suspended in Afghanistan.”
This move follows earlier bans on mixed martial arts (MMA), which the Taliban deemed incompatible with sharia law due to its perceived violence. The group has faced global criticism for enforcing strict interpretations of Islamic law and eroding cultural and personal freedoms in Afghanistan. Earlier in 2024, it imposed restrictions on women’s public attire and speech, according to reports.
The latest prohibition highlights the Taliban’s ongoing efforts to control societal norms under the pretext of religious enforcement.
