Taliban bans chess in Afghanistan over religious concerns

The Taliban government in Afghanistan has banned the game of chess across the country, citing concerns that it promotes gambling, which is forbidden under Islamic law. The ban will remain in effect until further notice, as authorities assess the game’s compliance with sharia. Alongside the ban, the Afghanistan National Chess Federation (ANCF) has also been suspended, according to a report by the BBC.

Also Read:IPL 2025 set to resume May 17 with RCB vs KKR clash in Bengaluru

The announcement was made by the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, which enforces religious regulations in the country. Atal Mashwani, a spokesperson for the sports directorate, confirmed that the decision stems from "Religious considerations" and the belief that chess is associated with gambling.

Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, former president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), responded by saying he had drafted an appeal to the Taliban leadership, urging them to reconsider the decision.

This is not the first time chess has been banned in Afghanistan. The Taliban had previously outlawed the game during their rule in the 1990s, but it was reintroduced after the regime change in 2001.

This move is the latest in a series of restrictions imposed by the Taliban since regaining control in August 2021, including the ban on women's education, access to public spaces, and professional combat sports like MMA.