Today: 23 August 2025
7 November 2021
2 mins read

Taliban wanted ICC to replace Afghan flag

The ICC – the global governing body for cricket – does not recognise the Taliban as a legitimate ruling force in Afghanistan….reports Asian Lite News

The national cricket team of Afghanistan is quite lucky to participate in the ongoing T20 World Cup in the UAE. Next time, the 11-member squad may not be able to compete in such a high-profile event because the International Cricket Council (ICC) is yet to decide whether to suspend the Afghan team’s membership or let them play, TRT World reported.

The ICC – the global governing body for cricket – does not recognise the Taliban as a legitimate ruling force in Afghanistan.

A source in Afghanistan’s cricket board told TRT World that because the ICC had drafted the match fixtures for the T20 World Cup before the Taliban took over Kabul on August 15, it could not disqualify the team at the last minute.

The Taliban also had a bone to pick with the ICC. They wanted the governing body to replace the Afghan flag with its own, besides requesting changes to the country’s national anthem, the report said.

“They wanted players to sing the anthem without music,” the cricket board official, who wished to remain anonymous, said.



The two sides eventually resolved their differences, allowing the Afghan team to participate in the championship, the report added.

“For the ICC, it was not an easy choice to disqualify the Afghan team at the last minute. They had to set their politics aside. They knew they would lose tens of thousands of TV viewers and hundreds of live spectators who love to watch world-famous Afghan cricketers like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Zadran play,” the board official added.

And for the Taliban, letting the team compete in the T20 World Cup was in line with the group’s attempts to legitimise their rule in the eyes of the world, the report said.

However, a few weeks before the World Cup began, speculations were rife that the Taliban might ban the cricket team from playing in the oil-rich kingdom.

But those fears were allayed on October 6, when Qatar’s foreign ministry granted permission, at the request of the Taliban’s interim government, to the Afghanistan team to take part in a training camp ahead of the World Cup, the report said.

ALSO READ: Ahmad Massoud in Iran to discuss inclusive govt in Afghanistan

Previous Story

Somalia urged to hold elections without further delay

Next Story

Rogue Chinese fertiliser ship returns to Lankan waters

Latest from -Top News

US sanctions more ICC judges

Washington hits at The Hague with fresh sanctions on four ICC judges and prosecutors, including French and Canadian officials, over probes targeting Israel and US actions abroad….reports Asian Lite News The United

UAE Wows Osaka!

The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka celebrates its three millionth visitor, blending culture, innovation, and hospitality in an immersive showcase of heritage, sustainability, and forward-looking global vision….reports Asian Lite News The

MBS & Sisi talk ties, Palestine

The two leaders reviewed the historic and strategic relations between Riyadh and Cairo and explored new ways to bolster cooperation…reports Asian Lite News Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister HRH Mohammed bin

Dubai’s startup supernova

Marking its 10th year, Expand North Star cements Dubai’s role as a global hub for digital innovation, uniting startups, unicorns, and investors to shape the future economy….reports Asian Lite News Expand North

Qatar: Syria’s stability key to region

Qatar, speaking for the Arab Group at the UN, urged unity and sovereignty for Syria as regional diplomacy, UN warnings, and fragile ceasefires highlight a precarious crossroads….reports Asian Lite News Qatar, speaking
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Blast shakes Afghan capital again

“There was a blast today morning but left no casualties,”

Hundreds of Afghans stranded at Iran border

Hundreds of Afghan nationals trying to enter Iran have become