Taliban authorities in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province have abruptly prohibited local radio stations from broadcasting any cricket-related content, according to multiple sources who spoke to international media on Sunday.
The ban, issued Saturday by Kandahar’s Information and Culture Department, covers all forms of cricket coverage including live commentary, news reports, and even updates about match results. Two radio station managers in the southern province confirmed receiving direct phone calls from authorities instructing them to immediately cease cricket programming.
The timing of the restriction has puzzled observers, as the Taliban government has previously demonstrated support for cricket—Afghanistan’s fastest-growing sport. Just months ago in August, authorities hosted cricket matches as part of celebrations marking the anniversary of their return to power in 2021.
A provincial official, speaking anonymously because he lacked authorization to discuss the matter publicly, verified the ban but offered no explanation for the sudden policy shift. “Both commentary and news coverage, or even reporting about their winning result, is also banned,” the source stated.
Kandahar holds particular significance as the home province of Afghanistan’s supreme leader, making policy decisions there closely watched for potential nationwide implications.
The cricket ban represents the latest in a series of sports restrictions imposed by Taliban authorities. Mixed martial arts has been completely outlawed, while women and girls face blanket prohibitions on accessing gyms and participating in sports of any kind—part of sweeping rules that have drastically curtailed their presence in public life.
Despite these limitations, Afghan men and boys have been permitted to continue playing cricket, and the national men’s team remains active internationally. At the time of the ban’s announcement, Afghanistan’s squad was competing in the second Test match against Zimbabwe in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Afghanistan’s cricket board has not yet responded to requests for comment about the Kandahar directive.
The inconsistency between the ban and the government’s previous cricket support has left broadcasters and sports enthusiasts uncertain whether the restriction will expand beyond Kandahar or remain localized. Radio station managers expressed confusion about the rationale, with one noting authorities said the ban applies “for now,” suggesting possible temporary status.
Whether this represents a broader shift in Taliban sports policy or a province-specific decision remains unclear, leaving Afghanistan’s cricket community in a state of anxious uncertainty.
