Taliban Suspends Chess in Afghanistan Over Sharia Law Concerns

The Taliban regime in Afghanistan has officially suspended the sport of chess, citing concerns over its compatibility with Islamic law. The move, announced on May 12, 2025, reflects the Taliban’s ongoing imposition of stricter regulations on recreational and cultural activities since regaining power in August 2021. The ban is temporary, pending review by religious authorities, but has already impacted everyday life in Kabul and beyond.

Why in News?

The suspension of chess marks the Taliban’s continued enforcement of religious interpretations on Afghan society. With chess players and café owners expressing dismay, this ban has drawn international attention for its implications on freedom of expression, recreation, and mental health in the country. The news is also relevant as sports bans have intensified under the current regime, including prohibitions on women’s sports and MMA.

Background and Context

• Regime: Taliban returned to power in August 2021.
• Previous bans: MMA competitions, various cultural activities, women’s sports.
• Religious grounds: Chess is considered to encourage gambling, which is forbidden in Islam under the Taliban’s interpretation.

Current Announcement

• Announced by: Atal Mashwani, Taliban sports directorate spokesperson.
• Date: May 12, 2025.
• Status: Suspension of chess across Afghanistan.
• Condition: Pending religious review for Sharia compliance.

Local Impact

• In Kabul, cafés that hosted informal chess gatherings have stopped the activity.
• Chess was a popular recreational outlet, especially for young people.
• Café owners like Azizullah Gulzada say the ban affects mental well-being and business operations.

International Reactions

• Human rights groups and sports bodies have criticized the ban.
• Chess remains widely accepted in other Muslim-majority countries like Iran, Egypt, and Indonesia.

Significance

• Shows Taliban’s strict control on public behavior.
• Reflects on the diminishing space for intellectual and recreational activities.
• Contributes to the broader narrative of social repression under Taliban rule.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Taliban Suspends Chess in Afghanistan Over Sharia Law Concerns
By Whom	Taliban government
Reason	Concerns over gambling and compliance with Islamic law
Impact	Social disruption, café business losses, youth recreation loss
Pending Decision	Awaiting religious authorities’ review
Past Sports Ban	MMA, most women’s sports activities
Global Response	Condemned by human rights groups and sporting organizations