{
  "id": 20175606,
  "title": "Taliban authorities ban cricket on Kandahar radio",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/taliban-authorities-ban-cricket-on-kandahar-radio",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-15T12:34:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/taliban-authorities-ban-cricket-on-kandahar-radio-1.500748182"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Taliban in Kandahar have prohibited radio stations from broadcasting any cricket-related content, according to two local broadcasters and a provincial source. Despite the government's support for cricket, recently hosting matches on the August anniversary of their return to power, radio stations have been instructed to cease all cricket coverage. The Information and Culture Department issued the directive, banning commentary, news reports, and even reporting on cricket's results. Local radio broadcasters confirmed receiving the order over the phone, citing security concerns. Afghanistan's cricket board has yet to comment on the Kandahar-specific decision, which comes as the Taliban continues to regulate certain sports in Afghanistan, while allowing others like mixed martial arts.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Taliban authorities ban cricket on Kandahar radio",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/taliban-authorities-ban-cricket-on-kandahar-radio-20178353",
        "published": "2026-11-15T12:22:48.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "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",
        "published": "2026-11-15T12:23:34.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}