Key Highlights
- Chess has been temporarily suspended across Afghanistan by the Taliban.
- The decision stems from concerns that the game encourages gambling, conflicting with Islamic law.
- The ban has already disrupted cafés, youth recreation, and local businesses in Kabul.
- International human‑rights and sporting bodies have condemned the move.
- Similar restrictions on women’s sports and MMA have been imposed since 2021.
Detailed Insights
Regime context: Since regaining power in August 2021, the Taliban has tightened controls over cultural and recreational activities, citing religious compliance.
Official announcement: On 12 May 2025, spokesperson Atal Mashwani declared the suspension, noting that a formal review by religious authorities would determine the final status.
Local impact: In Kabul, cafés that once hosted informal chess gatherings have ceased the activity, affecting both mental well‑being and revenue for owners such as Azizullah Gulzada.
International reaction: Human‑rights groups and global sports federations have criticized the ban, pointing out that chess remains widely accepted in other Muslim‑majority nations.
Broader significance: The move underscores the Taliban’s strict enforcement of Sharia and the shrinking space for intellectual and recreational pursuits in Afghanistan.
Key Concepts
- Sharia compliance: Adherence to Islamic law as interpreted by the Taliban’s religious authorities.
- Gambling prohibition: The religious prohibition against games of chance, which the Taliban equate with chess.
- Recreational ban: Restrictions placed on leisure activities deemed incompatible with religious or political ideology.
- Human‑rights critique: International assessment of policies that limit freedom of expression and recreation.