Afghanistan Suspends Chess Over Gambling Concerns Under Taliban Rule
Taliban authorities have suspended the game of chess across Afghanistan, citing concerns that the board game constitutes a form of gambling prohibited under Islamic law. The decision is the latest in a series of bans targeting sports and cultural activities since the group returned to power in 2021.
Chess banned under morality law
The announcement was confirmed by Atal Mashwani, spokesperson for the Taliban’s sports directorate, who told AFP that chess has been suspended nationwide “until further notice.” The ban falls under the government’s Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice law, introduced in 2023 to enforce the group’s interpretation of sharia.
Mashwani stated that chess in sharia is considered a means of gambling. He also noted that the sport has been under scrutiny for some time and that religious concerns about its permissibility remain unresolved.
Impact on local players and businesses
While chess has not been featured in official competitions for roughly two years due to reported internal issues within the national chess federation, informal games remained popular. In Kabul, Azizullah Gulzada, a café owner who has hosted chess games for young people, expressed disappointment at the suspension. He told AFP that no gambling was involved and highlighted the game’s widespread acceptance in other Muslim-majority nations. Gulzada said:
“Many other Islamic countries have players on an international level. Young people don’t have a lot of activities these days, so many came here everyday. They would have a cup of tea and challenge their friends to a game of chess.”
Chess is not the first sport to face restrictions under Taliban governance. In 2023, authorities banned professional mixed martial arts competitions, labeling them overly violent and incompatible with religious norms. Women, meanwhile, remain largely excluded from participating in sports entirely.
Source: AFP