Taliban authorities announced a nationwide ban on chess in Afghanistan on May 11, 2025, citing its classification as a form of gambling under Sharia law, according to sports directorate spokesperson Atal Mashwani.
The suspension, enforced under the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice law, reflects the Taliban’s strict interpretation of Islamic regulations, halting a recreational activity enjoyed in many Muslim-majority countries.
Mashwani told AFP, “Chess in sharia is considered a means of gambling,” highlighting “religious considerations” that must be resolved before chess can resume. The ban aligns with the Taliban’s morality law, enacted in 2024, which prohibits activities deemed contrary to Islamic values. Mashwani noted the national chess federation has been inactive for two years due to leadership disputes, further diminishing organised chess activities in Afghanistan.
Taliban authorities have barred chess across Afghanistan until further notice over concerns it is a source of gambling, which is illegal under the government's morality law, a sports official said on Sunday. https://t.co/BWi299jVEa pic.twitter.com/doCctaOXIq
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) May 11, 2025The Taliban banned chess in Afghanistan, citing gambling concerns under Sharia law, as stated by sports official Atal Mashwani to AFP.
Impact on Afghan Society
The chess ban has sparked concern among locals, with café owner Azizullah Gulzada telling AFP that the game provided youth with intellectual engagement. He questioned the gambling label, noting chess’s acceptance in countries like Saudi Arabia.
Social media posts from Afghan users and chess enthusiasts criticised the ban, urging international chess bodies to intervene, though no official response has emerged. The suspension limits cultural and recreational outlets, reflecting the Taliban’s broader restrictions on public life.
The Taliban has imposed a nationwide suspension on chess in Afghanistan, citing concerns that the game promotes gambling. A sports official confirmed the ban, stating that chess is barred "until further notice." This move is part of a broader pattern of restrictions on… pic.twitter.com/UOWkUR0pF2
— Afghanistan Times (@AfghanistanTime) May 11, 2025Since regaining power in 2021, the Taliban has imposed stringent rules, including bans on music, women’s sports, and certain educational pursuits, drawing global criticism. The chess ban, while niche, underscores the regime’s control over leisure activities, impacting Afghanistan’s cultural landscape. The federation’s inactivity and lack of events since 2023 exacerbate the sport’s decline, leaving players without formal platforms to compete.
