Reports: Taliban could banned cricket in Afghanistan

In the world of cricket, Afghanistan has had one of the quickest rates of growth. The Blue Tigers advanced to the ICC event semifinals for the first time in June during the T20 World Cup. Alongside the players, the Afghan supporters have seen both highs and lows while sticking by their team through thick and thin. But if rumours are to be believed, the Asian team’s experience in this lovely sport may be coming to an end.

Cricket will reportedly be gradually outlawed, according to reports from Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. There isn’t, however, any formal confirmation of this. It is common knowledge that the Taliban control most of Afghanistan, and they have previously forbade women from participating in any sports there. But perhaps it’s time for the guys to go the same path and suffer the most under the radical government.

Afghanistan has produced a number of elite cricket players who have excelled in both franchise and international cricket.

According to some of the tweets that are making the rounds on the internet about this subject, Akhundzada is not fond of the sport since he thinks it violates Sharia law and has negative consequences. According to a different tweet, there is a fight going on between two groups of people who have made significant investments in Afghanistan cricket: Sirajuddin Haqqani, the brother of Anas Haqqani, and Akhundzada.

The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Hibatullah Akhundzada has announced that he will introduce a gradual ban on cricket in the country.

The Taliban cleric believes cricket has harmful influence on the country and is against Sharia law. pic.twitter.com/KyCMwAD259

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) September 11, 2024

Taliban chief Hibatullah announced a gradual ban on cricket, dispelling the claims that the Taliban has become more moderate than in the past. Many of the group’s apologists remain under the misguided belief that the Taliban is adopting a more moderate approach, but the ban on…

— BILAL SARWARY (@bsarwary) September 11, 2024

Players like Naveen-ul-Haq, Rashid Khan, and Muhammad Nabi are performing well for both their franchise clubs and their country. The Afghanistan squad was meant to play their first-ever Test match against New Zealand, but they are currently in Greater Noida. But on Friday, September 13, the game was called off before a ball was bowled during the course of the five days.

Also Read: AFG vs NZ 2024, Only Test:  Poor drainage, rain calls off Greater Noida match

Although the historic event’s cancellation is regrettable, it is not quite as bad as the possible future for Afghanistan cricket. Since none of the claims or tweets have been verified yet, there is currently a ray of optimism.