Taliban authorities ban cricket content on Kandahar radio

The Taliban authorities in southern Kandahar have prohibited radio stations from broadcasting cricket-related content, according to two broadcasters and a provincial source. Despite the regime's support for the sport, evidenced by hosting matches during the August anniversary of its return to power, the provincial Information and Culture Department has issued a ban on all cricket coverage.

An anonymous source from the Information and Culture Department confirmed the directive, stating that "cricket coverage is banned," including both commentary and news reporting on match results. The head of a local radio station informed AFP that they received a call from the department, instructing them that they could no longer cover cricket on the airwaves.

Another Kandahar radio station manager also corroborated this directive, stating that the authorities had called and explicitly banned any mention of cricket for the time being.

The broadcasters spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity for security reasons. Afghanistan's cricket board has not yet commented on the Kandahar decision, which is the location of the country's Taliban leader. While the Taliban has restricted some sports in Afghanistan, such as outlawing mixed martial arts, they have permitted men and boys to continue playing cricket. However, women and girls are prohibited from participating in sports and gyms, reflecting the regime's stringent control over public life for one gender.

The men's cricket team is currently engaged in the second Test against Zimbabwe in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.