The Taliban government has officially banned the game of chess in Afghanistan, declaring it in violation of their interpretation of Islamic law. The country’s sports directorate, now overseen by the Taliban, suspended the game indefinitely, citing concerns that chess promotes gambling, which is forbidden under Sharia.

Spokesperson Atal Mashwani stated:

“Chess in Sharia is considered a means of gambling, which is prohibited under the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice law.”

Local cafe owner Azizullah Gulzada, who hosted chess matches in Kabul, expressed disappointment, saying the move will hurt youth engagement and small businesses:

“Young people don’t have a lot of activities these days… many came here every day for a game of chess and a cup of tea.”

Despite chess being played widely across Muslim-majority countries like Iran and Turkey—even at international levels—the Taliban's rigid enforcement of Sharia has seen several sports restricted. Women remain almost entirely excluded from sports, and last year, the regime also banned mixed martial arts (MMA), calling it too violent.