The rise of Afghanistan to world cricket has been nothing short of a fairytale. This June, the Blue Tigers created history as they reached the semi-finals of an ICC event for the first time in the T20 World Cup. The Afghan cricket fans have been quite loyal, cheering for their team during triumph and tribulation, and being by the side of their players as they scaled new heights.
The future of Afghan cricket remains in peril, with speculations showing the continuity of a looming ban hanging over the sport. Rumours hint that Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, has declared a gradual ban on playing cricket in the country. No confirmation has been sought or given but this news has evoked some consternation.
The Taliban regime in Afghanistan has already banned women from participating in sports; now, it seems, the men’s cricket team may fall under similar diktats. If the reports prove to be true, it would indeed be a dark day for Afghan sports.
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Several tweets have surfaced online on the issue. Many say Akhundzada is not too thrilled about cricket, stating it has some influences which are hostile and against Sharia Law. There looks to be some sort of internal tussle in the Taliban, too, with one camp led by Akhundzada and the other by Sirajuddin Haqqani.
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
The latter’s faction, in which his brother Anas Haqqani plays a crucial part, has wholeheartedly supported Afghanistan cricket, making matters even more complicated. Afghanistan have punched well above their weight to produce world-class cricketers like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Naveen-ul-Haq who have not only shone bright under the bright lights of international cricket but also made their mark in several franchise leagues.
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For now, the team is in Greater Noida where they were supposed to play their inaugural Test match against New Zealand. The first day of the Test got washed out on the morning of Friday, September 13, without a ball being bowled.
While the cancellation of this historic Test is disappointing, it pales against the greater threat Afghanistan cricket faces. For now, hope remains, as none of these reports have officially been confirmed. The uncertainty, however, is a heavy cloud over this sport that has given so much joy and pride to the nation.
