{
  "id": 20174119,
  "title": "No cricket on the radio: Taliban tells Kandahar stations to drop all coverage",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/no-cricket-on-the-radio-taliban-tells-kandahar-stations-to-drop-all",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-15T12:23:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2026/11/15/no-cricket-on-the-radio-taliban-tells-kandahar-stations-to-drop-all-coverage/243415"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kandahar radio stations have been instructed to cease all cricket coverage by Taliban authorities, according to two broadcasters and a local source. The government has previously supported cricket, hosting matches during its return to power in August, but now the Information and Culture Department has banned any mention of the sport. A source from the department confirmed the ban, stating that both commentary and news reporting on cricket are prohibited. Both radio stations in Kandahar, where the Taliban's leader resides, received the directive and spoke to AFP under anonymity for security reasons. Despite restricting certain sports like mixed martial arts, the Taliban has permitted men and boys to engage in cricket, while women and girls are barred from athletic activities due to strict limitations on their public participation. The men's cricket team is currently playing a Test match against Zimbabwe in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.",
  "summary": "KABUL, Nov 15 — The Taliban authorities have banned radio stations in southern Kandahar from airing content relate...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Gulf News",
        "title": "Taliban authorities ban cricket on Kandahar radio",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/taliban-authorities-ban-cricket-on-kandahar-radio",
        "published": "2026-11-15T12:34:44.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}