Taliban bans chess in Afghanistan, citing it as gambling and imposing strict Islamic law.

The Taliban has banned chess in Afghanistan, citing it as a form of gambling prohibited under Islamic law. The ban, announced by the Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, is part of the group's efforts to impose their strict interpretation of Islamic law, leading to growing restrictions on cultural and recreational activities. The move has sparked concern among chess enthusiasts and is the latest in a series of bans imposed by the Taliban since regaining power, including restrictions on women's education and sports.