Taliban Bans Chess In Afghanistan

The Taliban government has banned chess in Afghanistan until further notice, owing to fears that the game is a source of gambling for the players. Apart from banning the game, the Afghanistan National Chess Federation (ANCF) has also been suspended, according to a report in the BBC.

The country's Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice announced the move, stating the game will remain prohibited until its compatibility with Islamic law can be determined.

"Chess in sharia is considered a means of gambling, which is prohibited according to the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice law announced last year," said



sports directorate spokesperson Atal Mashwani, adding that religious concerns are at the heart of the decision.

"There are religious considerations regarding the sport of chess," said Mr Mashwani.

Former president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Kirsan Ilyumzhninov said he had prepared an appeal to the taliban leadership to reconsider their decision.

"In connection with the situation with the ban on chess in Afghanistan, I have prepared an appeal to the Taliban leadership with a request to reconsider their decision," wrote Mr Ilyumzhninov on X (formerly Twitter).