Sources from Helmand say that, under the directive of the Taliban leader, Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, the current cricket stadium in the Sapian area of Helmand province has been designated for the construction of a new Eidgah.
The sources add that the existing facilities at this stadium are planned to be demolished and replaced with a large Eidgah. This stadium is considered one of the most important sports centers in Helmand and recently hosted official cricket matches.
Several young people and athletes from Helmand have expressed concern over this decision, saying that the province already has a central Eidgah, which could be expanded if needed, or a new Eidgah could be built elsewhere. According to them, demolishing a fully equipped cricket stadium demonstrates a negative attitude toward sports. Some youth believe that this action is part of a broader policy to limit cricket in the country, but it is being carried out under the name of an Eidgah so that opposition to it could be portrayed as opposition to religion.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
