The Taliban government has officially suspended the game of chess across Afghanistan, citing concerns that it may encourage gambling, which they consider forbidden under their interpretation of Islamic law. The announcement came on Sunday, with officials stating that the ban will remain in place until religious scholars determine whether chess aligns with Islamic principles.
“Until these considerations are addressed, the sport of chess is suspended in Afghanistan,” said Atal Mashwani, spokesperson for the Taliban’s sports directorate, in a statement to AFP.
The move has had a direct impact on recreational life in Kabul, where chess has served as a peaceful pastime for many. Azizullah Gulzada, owner of a local café that has hosted informal chess games for years, expressed concern about the ban’s effect on his business and his patrons.
“Young people don’t have a lot of activities these days, so many came here every day,” he told AFP. Gulzada emphasized that no gambling was involved and pointed out that chess is played widely in other Muslim-majority countries without issue.
