Taliban Bans Table Football In Daikundi, Citing Idolatry Concerns

The Taliban have prohibited table football in Daikundi province, local sources told Afghanistan International. The group claims the miniature player figures in the game resemble idols, which they say is forbidden in Islam.

On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, sources reported that the Taliban instructed table football clubs to remove the heads of the player figures to continue the game. Failure to comply will result in a complete ban.

The Taliban have not issued an official statement on the prohibition.

Over the past four years, the Taliban government has increasingly restricted or banned various games and recreational activities in Afghanistan. Earlier, the Taliban’s sports authority suspended the Afghan Chess Federation, declaring chess “haram” (forbidden).