Taliban suspends chess in Afghanistan, calling it ‘gambling’ under Sharia

The Taliban government has suspended the game of chess in Afghanistan until further notice, citing its alleged association with gambling, which is prohibited under the country’s interpretation of Islamic law. The official suspension was announced on Sunday. 

The decision was made by the Taliban’s Directorate of Sports, which oversees sports activities across Afghanistan. According to Atal Mashwani, a spokesperson for the department, chess is considered a form of gambling under Sharia law — a code the Taliban strictly enforces.

In recent years, Afghanistan's authorities have imposed restrictions on various sports. Notably, women have been almost entirely banned from participating in any sporting activities.

Last year, the Taliban banned professional combat sports such as mixed martial arts (MMA), deeming them too "violent" and "inconsistent with Sharia law".