Star Pacer Returns for India in Afghanistan T20Is India’s cricket team has announced a 15-player squad for their upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, with fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah included subject to fitness clearance. The series will be played entirely in Delhi, with matches scheduled for September 13, 15, and 17. Afghanistan has already named its squad for the contest. The squad retains most of the players from India’s recent tours of Ireland and England, with Shreyas Iyer set to captain the side. The batting lineup includes Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan. The bowling department features Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Ravi Bishnoi. Spinners Axar Patel, Tilak Varma, and Shivam Dube add depth to the all-round options. Bumrah’s inclusion marks a significant development, as the star pacer missed the third ODI against England and was absent from India’s Test tour of Sri Lanka. His return is subject to fitness clearance following a recovery period after a hamstring injury sustained during the third T20I against England. Other players like Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Washington Sundar are also included on a fitness basis. Rana and Varun Chakaravarthy sustained hamstring injuries during the England series, while Nitish was sidelined with a quadriceps issue and Sundar was recovering from a leg injury. The defending ICC Men’s T20 World Cup champions will be looking to return to winning ways after challenging recent T20I tours. India lost their series against Ireland 2-0 before suffering a 4-0 defeat in England, although they found success in Zimbabwe. The Afghanistan series offers an opportunity for the team to regroup in familiar conditions.#delhi #icc_men_s_t20_world_cup #jasprit_bumrah #afghanistan #shreyas_iyer
India's T20I Squad for Afghanistan Series Announced India have finalized their squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, featuring a near-full-strength lineup that includes several key players. The team, led by Shreyas Iyer, will face Afghanistan in New Delhi starting September 13, with matches scheduled for September 13, 15, and 17. The squad includes prominent names such as Jasprit Bumrah, Sanju Samson, and Washington Sundar, though some players’ participation remains subject to fitness clearances. Jasprit Bumrah, a critical bowler for India, is expected to return after a hiatus since the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand in March. His inclusion is contingent on a fitness assessment, as is the case for Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Washington Sundar, who was left out of the previous Zimbabwe T20I squad, has been added to the list, with his availability also pending fitness checks. The team’s bowling attack includes Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Ravi Bishnoi, while Axar Patel and Shivam Dube are among the key all-rounders. Sanju Samson, who missed the Zimbabwe series, has been named as one of the two designated wicketkeepers alongside Ishan Kishan. His inclusion marks a significant shift from the previous squad, which saw eight players omitted. These include Rinku Singh, Suryansh Shedge, Harsh Dubey, Prabhsimran Singh, Prince Yadav, Yash Thakur, Mayank Yadav, and Ashok Sharma. The changes reflect a strategic overhaul, with the team focusing on players who have performed consistently in recent formats. The squad retains a strong emphasis on first-choice bowlers, similar to the England tour. However, some players like Shedge, Prince Yadav, and Prasidh Krishna, who were part of the England squad, have been excluded for the Afghanistan series.#india #jasprit_bumrah #sanju_samson #afghanistan #shreyas_iyer
Taliban Offers United States Access To Afghanistan’s Mineral Wealth Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has expressed openness to U.S. investment in Afghanistan, emphasizing economic collaboration as a path to lifting international sanctions and releasing frozen Afghan assets. Speaking to the Financial Times on 31 August, Muttaqi stated that relations between Afghanistan and the United States should be evaluated based on future cooperation rather than the past 20 years of conflict. He highlighted that Afghanistan’s economic policy is open to foreign investment, including in mining, infrastructure, agriculture, and trade. However, Muttaqi did not confirm whether the proposal for U.S. investment had been directly presented to the White House. Geological assessments by the U.S. and former Afghan authorities indicate Afghanistan holds untapped mineral reserves valued at over $1 trillion, including copper, iron ore, niobium, cobalt, gold, and lithium. Since reclaiming power in 2021, the Taliban has signed mining contracts worth more than $7 billion, primarily with China and Iran, focusing on gold, precious stones, and chromite. Despite these efforts, UN experts have warned that normalizing relations with the Taliban should not occur without significant progress on human rights, particularly the rights of women and girls. Muttaqi criticized international sanctions, arguing they have failed to achieve their intended goals. He asserted that no individual, government, or institution should use Afghan assets as a tool of political pressure. U.S. President Donald Trump has shown limited willingness to engage with the Taliban, maintaining demands for the return of Bagram Air Base, which Muttaqi rejected, calling it a national asset of Afghanistan.#taliban #financial_times #un #afghanistan #amir_khan_muttaqi
India Cricket Team's September 2026 Schedule Revealed: T20I and ODI Matches Against Afghanistan and West Indies, Asian Games Quarterfinals The Indian cricket team has unveiled its schedule for September 2026, which includes four T20 International matches and two One Day International (ODI) games. The schedule also features the Asian Games quarterfinal, which will take place during the same month. Following a Test series victory against Sri Lanka, the team will focus exclusively on limited-overs cricket in September. The T20I series against Afghanistan will be played from September 13 to 17 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The matches are scheduled for 7:30 PM IST on September 13, 15, and 17. After a 17-day break, the team will face West Indies in a three-match ODI series starting on September 27. The first ODI will be held at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27 at 2:00 PM IST. The second ODI will take place on September 30 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, and the third match will be on October 3 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. The Asian Games cricket tournament, hosted in Nagoya, Japan, will also see India compete in the quarterfinals. The team is set to play its second quarterfinal on September 18, though the opponent has not been finalized. The tournament has faced scrutiny over its organization, prompting concerns from the Pakistan Cricket Board, BCCI, and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). The ACC has decided to send representatives to Nagoya to investigate the arrangements. The ODI series against West Indies will see the absence of key players like Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah due to their participation in the Asian Games.#west_indies #afghanistan #acc #india_cricket_team #asian_games
Afghanistan Triumphs Over Ireland in Belfast Cricket Match Afghanistan secured a commanding 42-run victory over Ireland in the final match of their five-game series in Belfast, clinching a 3-0 sweep of the series. The decisive encounter, played on Wednesday, saw Afghanistan dominate both batting and bowling, with their opening innings setting a formidable total of 343 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Ireland, in response, managed only 301 runs, falling short of the target and ending the match with a comprehensive defeat. The series victory solidifies Afghanistan’s position in the global cricket landscape and marks a significant milestone in their quest for World Cup qualification. Afghanistan’s batting lineup delivered a masterclass in consistency and aggression, with Sedikulah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran forming a record-breaking partnership. The pair added 231 runs for the second wicket, surpassing the previous record of 218 set by Karim Sadiq and Mohammad Shahzad against Scotland in 2019. Atal, celebrating his 25th birthday, struck a century with calculated precision, maintaining a steady rhythm throughout his innings. His innings featured 14 boundaries and a single six, though he was eventually dismissed on the long-on boundary after a misjudged shot. Zadran, meanwhile, celebrated his seventh one-day international century, scoring 107 with 11 fours and a six. Their partnership not only highlighted their individual brilliance but also underscored Afghanistan’s ability to build substantial totals under pressure. Ireland’s batting struggled to match Afghanistan’s dominance, with their top-order failing to capitalize on the early opportunities. The Irish opener, Paul Stirling, was particularly ineffective, scoring just 15 runs before being dismissed in the fifth over.#afghanistan #ireland #ibrahim_zadran #sedikulah_atal #yamin_ahmadzai
Afghanistan Shatters ODI Record with 343 Against Ireland in Thrilling Victory Afghanistan’s cricket team made history on August 12, 2026, by setting a new record for the highest ODI score in the sport, achieving 343/9 against Ireland in Belfast. The victory, a 42-run win, extended their 5-match series lead to 3-0, with one game remaining. The match, played at the Belfast Civil Service Cricket Club, saw two standout performances from Sediqullah Atal and captain Ibrahim Zadran, who both struck centuries. Atal’s innings of 143 off 120 balls, featuring 17 fours and 4 sixes, and Zadran’s 107 off 118 balls, marked a historic partnership of 231 runs for the second wicket. This surpassed Afghanistan’s previous ODI record of 339/6, set in February 2024. The duo’s dominance allowed Afghanistan to build a formidable total, despite losing six wickets in the final overs. Ireland’s response was lackluster, as they managed only 301/9, falling short of the target. Captain Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie led the charge, with Balbirnie scoring 100 off 113 balls, including 38 runs in the 40th over. However, Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Rashid Khan, dismantled the Irish batting order, claiming four wickets in the 40th over alone. The victory solidified Afghanistan’s position in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, where they sit eighth. The win also secured their place in the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, as they had already qualified through the rankings. The series now shifts to Belfast for the final match on August 14, where Afghanistan aims to clinch a 4-0 sweep. Zadran’s century marked his seventh ODI hundred, making him the third fastest player to reach 2,000 ODI runs. Atal’s innings, meanwhile, highlighted his explosive batting, with his 143 contributing significantly to Afghanistan’s record-breaking total.#afghanistan #belfast #ireland #ibrahim_zadran #sediqullah_atal
West Indies suffer major ODI World Cup blow, miss direct qualification for 2027 showpiece The West Indies have been denied a direct pathway to the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup after Afghanistan secured their place in the tournament with a decisive victory over Ireland. The result, which came in a rain-affected second ODI of their five-match series at Bready Cricket Club, sealed Afghanistan’s qualification and left the West Indies unable to break into the top-nine ODI rankings before the September 30, 2026, cut-off date. This marks the third consecutive World Cup where the West Indies have had to navigate the qualifiers to reach the global tournament, a trend that has raised concerns about the team’s current standing in international cricket. The 2027 World Cup, set to be hosted across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in October and November, will see co-hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe automatically qualify. The remaining seven direct spots are determined by the ICC ODI rankings, with the top nine teams securing entry. The West Indies, currently ranked 10th, fell short of the required position, trailing behind Afghanistan (8th), Bangladesh (9th), and Zimbabwe (11th), who already secured an automatic spot as a co-host. This outcome means the West Indies will once again have to compete in the qualifiers, a route they have taken in previous World Cup cycles. The team’s qualification struggles are part of a broader decline in their global competitiveness. The West Indies failed to secure direct entry for the 2019 and 2023 World Cups as well. While they managed to qualify for the 2019 tournament through the qualifiers, they were eliminated in the 2023 qualifiers, missing the main event in India.#south_africa #zimbabwe #west_indies #afghanistan #icc_odis_world_cup
Afghanistan vs Ireland 2nd ODI: Rashid Khan takes 6 wickets as Afghanistan win by 92 runs Afghanistan secured a dominant 92-run victory over Ireland in the second One Day International (ODI) of their five-match series at the Bready Cricket Club on Friday, August 8. The match, which was delayed due to inclement weather, was reduced to 47 overs per side. Afghanistan posted a formidable total of 299 for 8, with Rashid Khan playing a pivotal role by taking an impressive six wickets to dismantle Ireland’s batting lineup, which collapsed to 207 all out in 33.4 overs. The Afghanistan team, led by captain Ibrahim Zadran, built a strong foundation during their innings. Zadran scored 84 runs, while Sediqullah Atal contributed 45 not out. The opening powerplay overs saw Afghanistan reach 65 for 1, and a crucial 116-run partnership between Zadran and Atal put them in a commanding position. Zadran, who started cautiously, accelerated his scoring after the Powerplay, bringing up his 52-ball fifty in the 19th over. The partnership ended when Atal was dismissed by Harry Tector in the 25th over. Ireland’s bowlers struggled to contain Afghanistan’s aggressive batting. Mark Adair and Jai Moondra faced early challenges, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz launching Moondra for a six and a four in his opening overs. Moondra’s expensive spell continued, conceding boundaries and runs, but Gurbaz’s attacking approach eventually led to his dismissal. Sediqullah Atal maintained the momentum, and Afghanistan’s middle order, including Azmatullah Omarzai and Darwish Rasooli, ensured the team remained on track despite losing key players. In the final stages, Afghanistan’s lower order showed resilience, with Hashmatullah Shahidi scoring a brisk 36 off 21 balls, including four boundaries in the last two overs.#rashid_khan #afghanistan #ireland #bready_cricket_club #ibrahim_zadran
Afghanistan's Rashid Khan Achieves Historic Cricket Milestone with Three Six-Wicket Hauls in ODIs Rashid Khan, Afghanistan's star spinner, has etched his name into cricket history by becoming the first bowler to take six wickets in three One Day International (ODI) matches. The achievement came during Afghanistan's second ODI against Ireland, where he claimed six wickets for 34 runs in 7.4 overs. This marks his third such feat in ODI cricket, surpassing the previous record held by Pakistan's Waqar Younis, who had managed to take six wickets in an ODI on five occasions. Rashid's latest performance against Ireland followed two earlier milestones. In 2017, he achieved a six-wicket haul against Ireland, and later that year, he repeated the feat against the West Indies. This third success solidifies his position as the first spinner to accomplish the feat three times in ODI history. His ability to consistently deliver under pressure has positioned him as a key figure in Afghanistan's cricketing narrative. The record for the most six-wicket hauls in ODIs remains with Waqar Younis, who holds the distinction of achieving the feat five times. In the spin bowling category, Rashid Khan ranks second, with two other bowlers—Vishnu Vardhan (2) and India's Ashish Nehra (2)—following him. Meanwhile, in the pace bowling category, Waqar Younis is second, trailing only Trent Boult (2) in the rankings. Rashid's dominance in ODIs is further highlighted by his overall record. To date, he has recorded seven instances of five-wicket hauls in ODIs, with five of these coming in Test matches and two in T20 internationals. His consistency across formats underscores his versatility as a bowler. The recent ODI against Ireland was a testament to Rashid's impact on the game.#rashid_khan #afghanistan #ireland #wicket #odi
राशिद खान ने 6 विकेट हॉल लेकर ट्रेंट बोल्ट और चामिंडा वास को पीछे छोड़ा, आयरलैंड को बड़ी हार अफगानिस्तान के धाकड़ स्पिनर राशिद खान ने आयरलैंड के खिलाफ एक बड़ा कारनामा किया। दूसरे वनडे मैच में उन्होंने अपनी टीम के लिए 6 विकेट अपने नाम किए। आयरलैंड और अफगानिस्तान के बीच वनडे सीरीज का दूसरा मैच नॉर्दर्न आयरलैंड के ब्रेडी क्रिकेट क्लब में खेला गया। इस मैच में अफगानिस्तान ने आयरलैंड को 92 रनों से हराकर सीरीज में 1-0 की बढ़त हासिल की। अफगानी टीम की इस जीत में सबसे अहम योगदान राशिद खान ने दिया। उन्होंने 7.4 ओवर में 34 रन देकर 6 विकेट हॉल लेकर एक बड़ा कारनामा किया। यह वनडे क्रिकेट में राशिद खान का तीसरा 6 विकेट हॉल है। इसके साथ ही वनडे में उन्होंने सबसे ज्यादा 6 विकेट हॉल लेने के मामले में चामिंडा वास, ट्रेंट बोल्ट, इमरान ताहिर जैसे गेंदबाजों को पीछे छोड़ दिया है। इन सभी ने ODI में दो बार छह विकेट हॉल लेने का कारनामा किया है। इस लिस्ट में टॉप पर पाकिस्तान के वकार यूनिस का नाम है। उन्ने 5 बार 6 विकेट हॉल लिया है। राशिद इससे पहले द हंड्रेड में खेल रहे थे और वहां भी उन्होंने बेहतरीन गेंदबाजी की थी। आयरलैंड की तरफ से केड कारमाइकल ने सबसे अधिक रन बनाए। 300 रनों के बड़े लक्ष्य का पीछा करने उतरी आयरलैंड टीम के बल्लेबाज ने इस मैच में खुद को सरेंडर कर दिया। कारमाइकल ने एक छोर संभाले रखा और अकेले दम पर 66 गेंदों में 62 रन की अहम पारी खेली। उनके अलावा एंडी बालबर्नी (36 रन), बेन क्लिट्ज (27 रन) और कर्टिस कैंफर व लॉरकैन टकर (23-23 रन) ही थोड़ा बहुत योगदान दे पाए, लेकिन यह टीम को जीत दिलाने के लिए काफी नहीं था और आयरलैंड लक्ष्य से काफी पीछे रह गई। अफगानिस्तान के बल्लेबाजों ने भी जबरदस्त प्रदर्शन किया। टीम की तरफ से इब्राहिम जादरान ने सबसे बेहतरीन बल्लेबाजी करते हुए 84 रन बनाए, जबकि सेदीकुल्लाह अटल ने भी 45 रनों की अहम पारी खेली। इसके अलावा हशमतुल्लाह शाहिदी (36), रहमानुल्लाह गुरबाज (32), रहमत शाह (30) और अजमतुल्लाह ओमरजई ने भी कुछ अहम पारियां खेली। आयरलैंड की गेंदबाजी की बात करें, तो मार्क अडायर और जय मुंद्रा ने 2-2 विकेट हासिल किए, जबकि गै...#afghanistan #ireland #rafid_khan #trent_bolt #chaminda_was
Afghanistan Secures Dominant Victory Over Ireland in ODI Series Afghanistan’s cricket team delivered a commanding performance in the second One-Day International (ODI) against Ireland, securing a resounding 92-run victory at Brady in County Westmeath. The win extended Afghanistan’s lead in the five-match series to 1-0, with the first match abandoned due to rain. Rashid Khan emerged as the standout performer, taking six wickets in 7.4 overs to dismantle Ireland’s batting lineup and cement Afghanistan’s dominance. Afghanistan’s innings set the tone for the match, as they posted a formidable total of 299 runs, supported by a disciplined bowling attack. Ibrahim Zadran was the standout batsman, scoring 84 off 97 balls with six fours and a six. His innings, though cut short by a sharp delivery from Ireland’s Curtis Camper, laid the foundation for Afghanistan’s total. Zadran’s partnership with Sedikullah Atal (33) helped the team reach 155 before Camper dismissed Sedikullah, allowing Zadran to continue his aggressive assault. Ireland’s response was a dismal affair, as they were bowled out for 207 in 42.3 overs. Rashid Khan’s mastery with the ball was pivotal, as he dismantled Ireland’s top order with precision. He dismissed Ireland’s captain and experienced opener Paul Stirling for 5, followed by Andy Balbirnie (36) and Ben Curran (27). The left-arm spinner’s ability to generate movement off the seam and his sharp yorkers made it nearly impossible for Ireland’s batters to find rhythm. Rashid’s six-wicket haul marked his third five-wicket haul in ODIs, placing him among the elite in the format. His performance was complemented by Omarjai (2/30) and Fazalhaq Faruki (1/34), who chipped in with crucial wickets. The Afghanistan bowlers exploited the conditions effectively, maintaining pressure throughout Ireland’s innings.#rashid_khan #afghanistan #ireland #ibrahim_zadran #brady
IRE vs AFG 2026: Ireland and Afghanistan Kick Off New Eras with Five-Match ODI Series Ireland and Afghanistan are set to embark on a five-match One-Day International (ODI) series that marks a pivotal moment for both teams. The series, which begins on August 5, 2026, in Bready, Ireland, represents a fresh chapter for both nations as they aim to build on recent successes and address challenges in the format. Afghanistan, which has enjoyed a strong run in ODIs since March 2024, faces a new leadership structure, while Ireland seeks to capitalize on momentum from a historic 2-0 T20I series win over India. The series will be a test for both teams, with Afghanistan looking to extend their dominance over Ireland after a 2-0 victory in Sharjah in 2024. Ireland, however, has the opportunity to experiment and develop as a team, having not played ODIs since March 2025. The absence of key players due to injuries presents both challenges and opportunities, particularly for Ireland, which is missing several bowlers and middle-order batsmen. Afghanistan, meanwhile, has added seam-bowling reinforcements in Fazalhaq Farooqi and Yamin Ahmadzai, though Mohammad Nabi opted out of the series. Coaching changes have also shaped the dynamics of the series. Jonathan Trott, who oversaw Afghanistan’s ODI success since 2024, has transitioned to a short-term consultant role, aiming to help Ireland prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup qualification. Ireland’s new head coach, Gary Wilson, will focus on accelerating the team’s progress after a 2-0 T20I series win over India. Afghanistan’s leadership transition includes Rahmat Shah taking over the captaincy from Hashmatullah Shahidi, with Richard Pybus appointed as head coach. Key players will play central roles in the series.#afghanistan #ireland #jai_moondra #rahmanullah_gurbaz #bready
Pakistan Army Expresses Outrage Over India-Afghanistan Ties, Cites Religious Rhetoric The Pakistan Army has issued a strongly worded statement condemning the growing diplomatic and military ties between India and Afghanistan’s Taliban government, framing the relationship as a violation of Islamic principles. During a press conference in Rawalpindi, Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry, the Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), accused both the Taliban and India of fostering a "master-slave" dynamic, which he claimed undermines Islamic values. Chaudhry cited a Quranic verse to justify his stance, warning that Muslims should not associate with "infidels" or non-believers. The controversy erupted after an Afghan Taliban minister visited India recently, where he made remarks about the shared genetic and cultural heritage between Afghans and Indians, stating that their DNA is "one and the same." This statement, which emphasized historical and cultural bonds, was seen as a direct challenge to Pakistan’s narrative of being a regional leader and protector of Muslim interests. Chaudhry responded by accusing the Taliban of collaborating with India to undermine Islamic principles, while also criticizing India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for promoting "Hindu nationalism" and marginalizing Muslims. Chaudhry’s remarks extended to the Taliban government itself, accusing it of perpetuating oppression against women and children, issuing arbitrary fatwas, and failing to uphold Islamic teachings. He argued that the Taliban’s actions were not aligned with the religion’s core values, despite their claim to represent Islamic governance.#india #afghanistan #bharatiya_janata_party #talia #pakistan_army
Three-front challenge Pakistan’s strategic location has long been a double-edged sword, offering both opportunities and persistent threats. The country’s geographical position has historically enabled it to assert regional influence but has also exposed it to complex security challenges. These challenges have evolved over time, culminating in a three-front security dilemma that now threatens Pakistan’s stability. The nation faces simultaneous threats from India in the east, cross-border terrorism originating from Afghanistan, and internal unrest fueled by militant groups and political grievances. This multifaceted crisis has deepened existing vulnerabilities and complicated efforts to secure the country’s borders and internal peace. The eastern front remains a critical concern, with India posing a persistent threat. The Indian government has escalated its military capabilities and adopted a more aggressive posture, including the deployment of its nuclear arsenal. According to the Swedish think tank SIPRI, India has mated 12 nuclear warheads to missiles and operationally deployed them, marking a significant shift from its previous posture of recessed deterrence. This move has destabilized the strategic balance between India and Pakistan, forcing Islamabad to respond to an increasingly unpredictable threat. Additionally, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, threatening to withhold water from Pakistan, further exacerbating tensions. In the west, Pakistan’s relationship with Afghanistan remains fraught. The border has been closed since October 2025 following deadly clashes between the two nations, and trade has been suspended.#india #afghanistan #khyber_pakhtunkhwa #tehreek_i_taliban_pakistan #azad_jammu_and_kashmir
Hunger, Poverty Drive Afghan Families to Marry Off Young Daughters, Report Reveals Afghanistan is facing a surge in child marriages and underage pregnancies as families, grappling with deepening poverty and Taliban-imposed restrictions, resort to marrying off young daughters to settle debts and survive. A joint report by Zan Times and The Guardian highlights the grim reality of the situation, detailing how desperation has pushed thousands of families to exchange their daughters for financial relief or to secure their future. The report includes harrowing accounts of girls as young as two months old being promised in marriage, with families pledging to hand them over when they reach ages seven to nine. One such case is Sima, a 13-year-old girl who was forced to marry her cousin after her father pressured her following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Sima, who had completed only sixth grade, was subjected to intense emotional and physical coercion. “After the Taliban entered the country, I had just finished the sixth grade and was supposed to start the seventh. But two months later, my father pressured me immensely to marry my cousin. After being beaten by my father several times, I was forced to accept,” she recounted. Now 18, Sima has given birth four times in five years, with one child dying before reaching one year old. She now spends her days fetching water, tending cattle, and caring for her children while battling chronic illness. “I always have a headache. My kidneys ache. I feel like a 70-year-old person,” she said. Medical professionals interviewed for the report noted a sharp rise in teenage pregnancies, with one public hospital in northern Afghanistan reporting 42 girls under 18 giving birth during the first five months of 2026.#afghanistan #the_guardian #shabnam #zam_times #sim_a
Taliban’s New Child Marriage Decree Demands Stronger Global Legal Action The Taliban’s recent decree on child marriage has intensified global concerns about the worsening treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan, as it appears to institutionalize discrimination through formal law. By making child marriage more permissible and harder to challenge, the measure has raised alarms that the regime is not merely ignoring rights but actively constructing a legal framework that curtails women’s autonomy, mobility, and dignity. Analysts argue that this decree is not a narrow domestic issue but a broader test of whether the international community will treat systematic gender-based discrimination as a serious global human rights crisis. The decree, titled the “Code on Judicial Separation of Spouses,” has drawn widespread condemnation for legitimizing child marriage while simultaneously complicating efforts for girls and women to escape forced or unwanted unions. The law reportedly treats a girl’s silence after puberty as implied consent, expands the authority of male relatives in arranging marriages, and creates legal barriers for girls seeking to contest these unions. This combination is deeply troubling because it transforms a personal freedom issue into a state-regulated process, shifting the burden of proof onto children and women rather than those arranging the marriages. This law is part of a larger pattern of restrictions on Afghan women and girls, including limitations on education, movement, public participation, and civic life. The new decree should be viewed as an extension of this control, normalizing the idea that girls can be subjected to marriage through family pressure, legal approval, and official endorsement.#australia #afghanistan #talebans #international_community #international_court_of_justice
‘When she turns eight they will take her’: rising number of Afghan girls being sold into child marriage Sima* is 18, but has already given birth four times. Her youngest is a newborn, the eldest is four. Sitting with her children in their mud-brick room in Badghis province, Sima says: “After the Taliban entered the country, I had just finished the sixth grade and was supposed to start the seventh. But two months later, my father pressured me immensely to marry my cousin. After being beaten by my father several times, I was forced to accept.” At 13, Sima became a bride inside the compound where she still lives, and where she has given birth to her children. One child died of pneumonia aged one. She does all the housework: fetching water, tending the cows, baking naan in a tandoor. All the while, her children cling to her legs, crying. Sima’s case is no longer exceptional. Interviews with workers at one public hospital in northern Afghanistan revealed that 42 underage girls gave birth in the first five months of this year. Six were in their second pregnancy. Five had ectopic pregnancies – a leading cause of maternal deaths – and 18 had caesarean sections. Two died, though their babies survived. They are victims of a growing trend toward child marriage, driven by Taliban policies legalising the practice and forcing girls out of school, combined with a deepening humanitarian crisis in which families are forced to sell their daughters to pay debts or buy food. As well as Sima’s family, the Guardian and Zan Times spoke to three other families with daughters under nine who were traded in marriage to settle debts. The youngest was two months old when she was promised as a bride, with all the families pledging to give the girls to their future husbands when they reached between seven and nine years old.#taliban #afghanistan #badghis_province #shabnam #afghanistan_human_rights_center
Former Afghanistan Fast Bowler Shapoor Zadran Dies at 38 After Battle with Rare Immune Disorder Shapoor Zadran, the former Afghanistan fast bowler, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, just one day before his 39th birthday. His death followed a prolonged struggle with a rare and severe immune system disorder, which he was reportedly undergoing treatment for at a hospital in New Delhi. The news of his passing has sent shockwaves through the cricketing community, with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) expressing profound grief and sorrow over the loss of one of the country’s most iconic players. The ACB released a statement on X, mourning Zadran’s death and highlighting his enduring legacy in Afghan cricket. “Shapoor Zadran was one of the foundation-laying figures of Afghanistan cricket, whose dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment played a vital role in the rise and development of the game in our country,” the board wrote. His contributions to the sport extended beyond his playing career, as he became a symbol of resilience and determination for aspiring cricketers in Afghanistan. Zadran’s cricketing journey began in 2009 when he made his one-day international (ODI) debut for Afghanistan. Over the course of his career, he represented his nation in a total of 80 international matches across formats, including 44 ODIs and 36 Twenty20 internationals. His performances on the field were marked by his left-arm pace bowling and ability to deliver under pressure, qualities that earned him a place among Afghanistan’s most respected players. One of the most memorable moments in Zadran’s career came during Afghanistan’s historic first World Cup victory in 2015. In a thrilling encounter against Scotland, he played a pivotal role in securing the win by hitting the winning boundary.#afghanistan #new_delhi #shapoor_zadran #afghanistan_cricket_board #world_cup_2015
Sri Lanka Advances to T20 Series Final, Set to Face India in Showdown Sri Lanka secured a dominant 103-run victory over Afghanistan in the final league match of the T20 series, booking a place in the final against India. The match, played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, will take place on June 21, with the winner of the series set to claim the title. Sri Lanka’s campaign in the triangular series saw them emerge as the second team to reach the final after Afghanistan. In the decisive encounter, the hosts posted a formidable total of 322 runs in 50 overs, with key contributions from Avishka Fernando and Niroshan Dickwella. Fernando scored 110 off 97 balls, striking 13 fours and a six, while Dickwella added 65 with 12 fours. The pair’s 99-ball partnership of 133 was instrumental in setting a strong foundation for the innings. Afghanistan’s pace bowler Faridoun Daoudzai took four wickets to restrict the hosts, but Sri Lanka’s batting lineup remained resilient. Afghanistan’s response to Sri Lanka’s total was lackluster, as they were bowled out for 219 in 42.5 overs. Hasan Ejaz scored 74 off 78 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to build on his efforts. Only two batters managed to cross the half-century mark, and six others scored below 20. Sri Lanka’s fast bowlers, led by Dulaj Samuditha, dominated the chase, picking up five wickets. Kugathasan Mathulanan and Ravindu Fernando also chipped in with one wicket each. The final between India and Sri Lanka will be a highly anticipated clash, with both teams vying for the series title. The match is scheduled to start at 10:00 AM IST on June 21 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. India’s young talent, 15-year-old batter Vihav Surayavanshi, will be under the spotlight.#india #sri_lanka #afghanistan #vihav_surayavanshi #rangiri_dambulla_international_stadium
India Assistant Coach Ryan ten Doeschate Outlines Team Strategy for Third ODI Against Afghanistan India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed that KL Rahul will retain his role in the middle order for the third ODI against Afghanistan, while Yashasvi Jaiswal will continue opening alongside skipper Shubman Gill. The decision comes as India prepares to rotate players after securing a 2-0 series lead in the three-match ODI series. Ten Doeschate emphasized the team’s focus on balancing experience with fresh opportunities, particularly for younger players. The assistant coach highlighted that Jaiswal’s inclusion at the top of the order is a strategic choice, citing his potential to adapt to different conditions. “We want to give Yashasvi another chance to showcase his skills,” Ten Doeschate said during a pre-match press conference. He also noted that Rahul’s position in the middle order remains unchanged, reflecting confidence in his ability to contribute consistently. The extended net session at Chepauk on Friday, where Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma batted together, further validated the team’s approach. Rotation of players is expected for the third ODI in Chennai, with Arshdeep Singh potentially rested after a strong performance in the first two matches. Ten Doeschate explained that the team aims to distribute opportunities across the squad, ensuring all players get a fair chance to prove themselves. “If someone like Arshdeep does very well in the first two games, he can take a rest tomorrow,” he said. The coach also mentioned that Nitish Reddy, who was rested in the previous game, could return to the lineup, while Harshit Rana, a recent addition to the squad, may not be immediately drafted in.#shubman_gill #afghanistan #yashasvi_jaiswal #kl_rahul #ryan_ten_doeschate
