Why Taliban ban cricket coverage on Kandahar radio stations
The decision has surprised cricket fans in Afghanistan, where the sport has gained popularity in recent years. Two radio broadcasters and a provincial source confirmed the ban to AFP on Sunday.
Taliban issue new restrictions on cricket coverage
The Taliban’s provincial Information and Culture Department informed radio stations on Saturday that all cricket-related content was no longer allowed. The directive reportedly covers every type of cricket coverage, including live commentary, news reports and match results.
A source from the department confirmed the decision but requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media. He told AFP, “cricket coverage is banned”.
“Both commentary and news coverage, or even reporting about their winning result, is also banned,” he said. However, the source did not explain why the authorities had taken this decision.
Radio stations confirm receiving instructions
The head of a local radio station said the authorities had directly contacted broadcasters and instructed them to stop covering cricket. He told AFP: “We received a call from Information and Culture, and we were told that we can’t cover cricket on the radio anymore.”
The manager of another radio station in Kandahar also confirmed receiving the same instructions. He said the authorities had told them that “anything related to cricket is banned for now”.
Both broadcasters spoke to AFP without revealing their identities because of security concerns. Afghanistan’s cricket board had not immediately responded to AFP’s request for comment.
Taliban restrictions on sports in Afghanistan
The Taliban authorities have introduced restrictions on several sports in Afghanistan, although men and boys are still allowed to play cricket. The authorities have also banned mixed martial arts in the country.
Women and girls face much wider restrictions on sports activities and are not allowed to use gyms or take part in sports more broadly. These rules are part of wider restrictions limiting women's participation in public life.
Interestingly, the Taliban government has previously shown support for cricket. It even hosted cricket matches during celebrations marking the anniversary of its return to power in August.
Afghanistan team continues international cricket
The latest restrictions come as Afghanistan’s men's cricket team is playing its second Test match against Zimbabwe in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The decision to stop cricket coverage on Kandahar radio stations has raised questions about the authorities’ approach towards the popular sport.
Despite allowing men and boys to play cricket, the authorities have now stopped local radio stations from broadcasting anything related to the game. No official explanation has yet been provided for the sudden decision.
The ban highlights a difference between allowing people to play cricket and allowing the media to report on it. Cricket remains popular in Afghanistan, but the new restrictions could limit how fans in Kandahar follow the game.
The absence of a clear explanation has also created uncertainty about whether the ban will remain limited to Kandahar or lead to further restrictions.
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