There are new laws for women in Afghanistan. The Taliban have issued a ban on women’s voices and bare faces in public. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Taliban issue a ban on women’s voices and bare faces in public

The Taliban has issued a new set of laws that have imposed tighter restrictions on women approved by Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, putting a ban on their voices and making it mandatory for them to cover even their bare faces in public, according to a government spokesperson. These laws have been issued to "combat vice and promote virtue" in the country also known for declining rights for women.

Afghan women under new Taliban's decree can't sing, read or travel alone

The Taliban’s morality ministry has dismissed more than 280 members of the security force for failure to grow a beard and have detained more than 13,000 people in Afghanistan for “immoral acts” in the past year. Watch in for more details!

Taliban's morality government detained 13,000 for 'immoral acts' in the past year

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed visited Afghanistan Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund to inquire about his health while he receives treatment in a hospital in the country.

UAE President visits Afghan Prime Minister in hospital

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:14,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1884}">On the three-year anniversary of the Taliban's return to power, the group's supreme leader said in a speech that implementing Islamic law in the country was a "lifelong responsibility" for the Afghanistan rulers.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:84,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1954}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:84,&quot;w&quot;:237,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1954}">Three years of Taliban</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:129,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1999}">On August 15, the Taliban marked the third anniversary of their return to power. On this day, in 2021, the Taliban government took over the nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:178,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2048}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:178,&quot;w&quot;:574,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2048}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:178,&quot;w&quot;:574,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2048}" href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/taliban-celebrates-three-years-in-power-with-military-parade-featuring-homemade-bombs-and-soviet-tanks-750225">Taliban celebrates three years in power with military parade featuring homemade bombs and soviet tanks</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:227,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:67,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2097}">The Taliban government celebrated the anniversary of the takeover from the US a day early on August 14. The celebration was marked with an elaborate military show featuring military tanks from the Soviet era, artillery pieces through the former US air base in Bagram, and homemade bombs.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:313,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2183}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:313,&quot;w&quot;:393,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2183}">Sharia rule, a lifelong responsibility:&nbsp;</strong>Hibatullah Akhundzada</h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:358,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2228}">Speaking to the security personnel at the air base in Southern Kandahar on Wednesday (Aug 14), Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada said: "Brothers! Our responsibility of service to religion, ruling according to sharia (Islamic law), is our lifelong responsibility".</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:424,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2294}">In the speech shared on social media platform X by chief government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, Akhundzada also said that they will "implement Allah's religion and sharia rule for ourselves and others as long as we live".</p>

<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:490,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:180,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2360}" class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:105,&quot;y&quot;:500,&quot;w&quot;:453,&quot;h&quot;:159,&quot;abs_x&quot;:138,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2370}" class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:110,&quot;y&quot;:500,&quot;w&quot;:443,&quot;h&quot;:159,&quot;abs_x&quot;:143,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2370}" class="twitter-tweet">
<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:171,&quot;y&quot;:539,&quot;w&quot;:357,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:204,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2409}" dir="rtl" lang="fa">د اسد د ۲۴ په مناسبت د عالیقدر امیرالمؤمنین شیخ القرآن والحدیث مولوي هبة الله اخندزاده حفظه الله تعالی وینا <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:278,&quot;y&quot;:573,&quot;w&quot;:143,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:311,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2443}" href="https://t.co/ozScNwBwCC">https://t.co/ozScNwBwCC</a></p>
— Zabihullah (..ذبـــــیح الله م ) (@Zabehulah_M33) <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:324,&quot;y&quot;:604,&quot;w&quot;:201,&quot;h&quot;:29,&quot;abs_x&quot;:357,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2474}" href="https://twitter.com/Zabehulah_M33/status/1823780746278183213?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:636,&quot;y&quot;:490,&quot;w&quot;:19,&quot;h&quot;:19,&quot;abs_x&quot;:669,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2360}" class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:686,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2556}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:686,&quot;w&quot;:639,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2556}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:686,&quot;w&quot;:639,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2556}" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-arrests-former-isi-chief-faiz-hameed-court-martial-proceedings-initiated-749546">Pakistan army arrests former ISI chief Faiz Hameed; court martial proceedings initiated</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:735,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2605}">The reclusive Taliban leader, in his rare remarks, also stated that "Sharia and the Islamic system are getting stronger day by day."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:784,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2654}">Despite three years in power, the Taliban government remains unrecognized by any other government. During this time, the orthodox government has implemented a number of restrictions on women, in what the United Nations has labelled "gender apartheid".</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:849,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2719}">As Madina, a 20-year-old former university student in Kabul, puts it, "Three years have passed since the dreams of girls have been buried."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:898,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2768}">Talking to AFP, she said, "It's a bitter feeling that every year, the celebration of this day reminds us of the efforts, memories, and goals we had for our future."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:947,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2817}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:947,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2817}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


On the three-year anniversary of the Taliban's return to power, the group's supreme leader said in a speech that implementing Islamic law in the country was a "lifelong responsibility" for the Afghanistan rulers.

On the three-year anniversary of the Taliban's return to power, the group's supreme leader said in a speech that implementing Islamic law in the country was a "lifelong responsibility" for the Afghanistan rulers. Three years of Taliban On August 15, the Taliban marked the third anniversary of their return to power. On this day, in 2021, the Taliban government took over the nation. Also read | Taliban celebrates three years in power with military parade featuring homemade bombs and soviet tanks The Taliban government celebrated the anniversary of the takeover from the US a day early on August 14. The celebration was marked with an elaborate military show featuring military tanks from the Soviet era, artillery pieces through the former US air base in Bagram, and homemade bombs. Sharia rule, a lifelong responsibility: Hibatullah Akhundzada Speaking to the security personnel at the air base in Southern Kandahar on Wednesday (Aug 14), Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada said: "Brothers! Our responsibility of service to religion, ruling according to sharia (Islamic law), is our lifelong responsibility". In the speech shared on social media platform X by chief government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, Akhundzada also said that they will "implement Allah's religion and sharia rule for ourselves and others as long as we live". د اسد د ۲۴ په مناسبت د عالیقدر امیرالمؤمنین شیخ القرآن والحدیث مولوي هبة الله اخندزاده حفظه الله تعالی وینا https://t.co/ozScNwBwCC — Zabihullah (..ذبـــــیح الله م ) (@Zabehulah_M33) August 14, 2024 × Also read | Pakistan army arrests former ISI chief Faiz Hameed; court martial proceedings initiated The reclusive Taliban leader, in his rare remarks, also stated that "Sharia and the Islamic system are getting stronger day by day." Despite three years in power, the Taliban government remains unrecognized by any other government. During this time, the orthodox government has implemented a number of restrictions on women, in what the United Nations has labelled "gender apartheid". As Madina, a 20-year-old former university student in Kabul, puts it, "Three years have passed since the dreams of girls have been buried." Talking to AFP, she said, "It's a bitter feeling that every year, the celebration of this day reminds us of the efforts, memories, and goals we had for our future." (With inputs from agencies)

Sharia rule a 'lifelong responsibility': Akhundzada on three years of Taliban rule in Afghanistan

Taliban celebrates three years in power with military parade featuring homemade bombs and soviet tanks

Afghanistan’s Taliban officials said Tuesday that at least three civilians were killed on their side of the border in an overnight clash with Pakistan, saying the victims are a woman and two children.

Pakistan-Afghanistan border clash: Forces trade fire at Torkham border crossing

<p>It's been three years of its rule in Afghanistan, and the Taliban government has achieved some diplomatic wins even as it has consolidated power and enforced its strict version of Islamic law.</p>

<p>The Taliban rulers continue to operate without official recognition from any country, with its restrictions on women being a major sticking point.</p>

<p>But concern over Afghanistan's worsening humanitarian crisis, the threat of terrorism, and hard-nosed pragmatism have led to some international engagement.</p>

<p>The most notable example was the Taliban government's participation, for the first time, in United Nations-hosted talks in Qatar,&nbsp;in June,&nbsp; to discuss economic issues and counter-narcotics efforts.</p>

<p>Chief Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, who led the delegation, said the gathering was further proof that: "Afghanistan has come out of isolation".</p>

<p>"We are in favour of positive meetings with the condition that Afghanistan's situation is taken into account," he told AFP in a recent interview ahead of this week's three-year anniversary of the Taliban taking back power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The talks went ahead after Kabul obtained the agreement of the UN, which has described restrictions on women in Afghanistan as "gender apartheid",&nbsp;that civil society and women's rights groups would not attend.</p>

<p>Obaidullah Baheer, grandson of former warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar and an Afghan academic, said engagement at the talks was a "smart approach".</p>

<p>"The international community can't solve the women's rights issue. What they can do is try to create an environment" to gradually stabilise the economy in Afghanistan, Baheer said.</p>

<p>"Economic stability naturally brings with it some sort of opening for politics as well."</p>

<h2>Security is 'priority'&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The Taliban authorities, who are still pushing to fill Afghanistan's seat at the UN, are also forging regional ties.</p>

<p>"Currently, we have very good relations with neighbouring, regional and Muslim countries," Mujahid said, adding that about 40 countries had embassies or consulates in Afghanistan.</p>

<p>While Western embassies in Kabul have been closed for three years, Pakistan, China, Russia, Iran and Central Asian republics have established de facto diplomatic relations with Kabul.</p>

<p>Russia is also preparing to remove the Taliban from its list of terrorist organisations, while Beijing has appointed its first ambassador to Kabul since the takeover.</p>

<p>Fears over the growing security threat from the Islamic State group's branch in the region, known as Islamic State Khorasan Province, have also spurred engagement.</p>

<p>Last week, the UN warned that IS-K posed the greatest external terrorist threat to Europe and was growing in strength.</p>

<p>Mujahid insisted the IS threat was being overblown.</p>

<p>"We have brought the phenomenon of ISKP to nearly zero," he told AFP.</p>

<p>After ousting the foreign-backed government and ending their 20-year insurgency, the Taliban rulers have made security one of their highest priorities.</p>

<h2><strong>'Dialogue'</strong></h2>

<p>The Taliban authorities still allocate a large part of the national budget to security, despite Afghanistan no longer being at war and its economy in dire straits.</p>

<p>And while Afghans may welcome restored security after more than 40 years of successive conflicts, many struggle to feed themselves and strain under tightening restrictions.</p>

<p>A civil society activist, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal, described the rules on daily life as becoming "stricter and stricter".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Government affairs are mostly run through religious edicts from the reclusive supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, based in the Taliban southern stronghold of Kandahar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Politically, there is no visible opposition: parties are banned, and there are no elections.</p>

<p>"There is no one to challenge the Emir," the civil society activist said.</p>

<p>The UN has described a "climate of fear" in the country, where popular protests are virtually non-existent.</p>

<p>The Taliban government rejects these accusations.</p>

<p>"We don't accept that we are totalitarian," Mujahid said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The authorities have "mechanisms... to convey the voice of the people to the government", spokesman Mujahid said, referring to provincial councils comprising clerics and tribal elders.</p>

<p>"They might not be the same as in the previous government or what are common in democratic governments, but we have developed these mechanisms in an Islamic way and we are committed to the country's interests," Mujahid said.</p>

<p>Baheer, based in Kabul, said he still believed dialogue could bring about change.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"What we can do is constantly speak to the nation and these people (the Taliban authorities), creating a larger national pressure and ultimately... hoping that they realise that they are up against the people and they have to compromise," said the academic.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


It's been three years of its rule in Afghanistan, and the Taliban government has achieved some diplomatic wins even as it has consolidated power and enforced its strict version of Islamic law.

It's been three years of its rule in Afghanistan, and the Taliban government has achieved some diplomatic wins even as it has consolidated power and enforced its strict version of Islamic law. The Taliban rulers continue to operate without official recognition from any country, with its restrictions on women being a major sticking point. But concern over Afghanistan's worsening humanitarian crisis, the threat of terrorism, and hard-nosed pragmatism have led to some international engagement. The most notable example was the Taliban government's participation, for the first time, in United Nations-hosted talks in Qatar, in June, to discuss economic issues and counter-narcotics efforts. Chief Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, who led the delegation, said the gathering was further proof that: "Afghanistan has come out of isolation". "We are in favour of positive meetings with the condition that Afghanistan's situation is taken into account," he told AFP in a recent interview ahead of this week's three-year anniversary of the Taliban taking back power. The talks went ahead after Kabul obtained the agreement of the UN, which has described restrictions on women in Afghanistan as "gender apartheid", that civil society and women's rights groups would not attend. Obaidullah Baheer, grandson of former warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar and an Afghan academic, said engagement at the talks was a "smart approach". "The international community can't solve the women's rights issue. What they can do is try to create an environment" to gradually stabilise the economy in Afghanistan, Baheer said. "Economic stability naturally brings with it some sort of opening for politics as well." Security is 'priority' The Taliban authorities, who are still pushing to fill Afghanistan's seat at the UN, are also forging regional ties. "Currently, we have very good relations with neighbouring, regional and Muslim countries," Mujahid said, adding that about 40 countries had embassies or consulates in Afghanistan. While Western embassies in Kabul have been closed for three years, Pakistan, China, Russia, Iran and Central Asian republics have established de facto diplomatic relations with Kabul. Russia is also preparing to remove the Taliban from its list of terrorist organisations, while Beijing has appointed its first ambassador to Kabul since the takeover. Fears over the growing security threat from the Islamic State group's branch in the region, known as Islamic State Khorasan Province, have also spurred engagement. Last week, the UN warned that IS-K posed the greatest external terrorist threat to Europe and was growing in strength. Mujahid insisted the IS threat was being overblown. "We have brought the phenomenon of ISKP to nearly zero," he told AFP. After ousting the foreign-backed government and ending their 20-year insurgency, the Taliban rulers have made security one of their highest priorities. 'Dialogue' The Taliban authorities still allocate a large part of the national budget to security, despite Afghanistan no longer being at war and its economy in dire straits. And while Afghans may welcome restored security after more than 40 years of successive conflicts, many struggle to feed themselves and strain under tightening restrictions. A civil society activist, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal, described the rules on daily life as becoming "stricter and stricter". Government affairs are mostly run through religious edicts from the reclusive supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, based in the Taliban southern stronghold of Kandahar. Politically, there is no visible opposition: parties are banned, and there are no elections. "There is no one to challenge the Emir," the civil society activist said. The UN has described a "climate of fear" in the country, where popular protests are virtually non-existent. The Taliban government rejects these accusations. "We don't accept that we are totalitarian," Mujahid said. The authorities have "mechanisms... to convey the voice of the people to the government", spokesman Mujahid said, referring to provincial councils comprising clerics and tribal elders. "They might not be the same as in the previous government or what are common in democratic governments, but we have developed these mechanisms in an Islamic way and we are committed to the country's interests," Mujahid said. Baheer, based in Kabul, said he still believed dialogue could bring about change. "What we can do is constantly speak to the nation and these people (the Taliban authorities), creating a larger national pressure and ultimately... hoping that they realise that they are up against the people and they have to compromise," said the academic. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Afghanistan's Taliban rulers score diplomatic wins, consolidate power

A new report has revealed that the US State Department has likely given at least $239 million to the Taliban since President Joe Biden ordered the disastrous withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan in 2021.

US accidentally gave $239 million to Taliban since disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal

<p>Afghanistan will host South Africa in a three-match ODI series in Sharjah in late September. This will mark the first-ever bilateral series between the two sides and also serve as a tune-up for the 2025 Champions Trophy. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed the development&nbsp;via a joint media release on Wednesday (July 31).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<section itemprop="articleBody">
<p>Notably, the&nbsp;Proteas have played Afghanistan only twice in ODIs, both during the last two editions of the World Cup (in 2019 and 2023).&nbsp;The two teams recently clashed in the semifinals of the 2024 T20 World Cup, where eventual runners-up Aiden Markram-led South Africa thrashed the Rashid Khan-led Asian side by nine wickets in Trinidad.</p>

<section itemprop="articleBody">
<p>ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf said, "These fixtures were not initially part of our FTP. Still, based on our productive negotiations with our counterparts at Cricket South Africa, we concluded that we will host the Proteas for an ODI series in September. They are an excellent team, and we are eagerly looking forward to hosting them and playing them regularly in the future."</p>
</section>
</section>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/suryakumar-has-a-big-heart-as-leader-washington-sundar-lauds-new-t20i-captain-after-india-whitewash-sri-lanka-745863">Suryakumar has a big heart as leader: Washington Sundar lauds new T20I captain after India whitewash Sri Lanka</a></strong></p>

<section itemprop="articleBody">
<p>Meanwhile, Ashraf's CSA counterpart Lawson Naidoo added, "We are excited to embark on this historic ODI series with Afghanistan, who have become a very competitive all-round team as evidenced by their recent performances in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 and most recently at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. This is a significant milestone in our cricketing relations, and we look forward to a competitive and entertaining series."</p>
</section>

<section itemprop="articleBody">
<section itemprop="articleBody">
<p><b>Afghanistan-South Africa ODI Series&nbsp;Schedule:</b></p>
</section>

<section itemprop="articleBody">
<p>1st ODI on&nbsp;September 18</p>
</section>

<section itemprop="articleBody">
<p>2nd ODI on September 20</p>
</section>

<section itemprop="articleBody">
<p>3rd ODI on&nbsp;September 22</p>

<p>All the games will be held at the Sharjah International Cricket Stadium in Sharjah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Interestingly, both Afghanistan and South Africa are also placed in the same group in the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB)&nbsp;draft schedule for next year's Champions Trophy. The mega event is scheduled to be held in Pakistan where Group A comprises India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand whereas the other group includes Australia, England, South Africa and the Afghans.</p>
</section>
</section>


Afghanistan will host South Africa in a three-match ODI series in Sharjah in late September. This will mark the first-ever bilateral series between the two sides and also serve as a tune-up for the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Afghanistan will host South Africa in a three-match ODI series in Sharjah in late September. This will mark the first-ever bilateral series between the two sides and also serve as a tune-up for the 2025 Champions Trophy. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed the development via a joint media release on Wednesday (July 31). Notably, the Proteas have played Afghanistan only twice in ODIs, both during the last two editions of the World Cup (in 2019 and 2023). The two teams recently clashed in the semifinals of the 2024 T20 World Cup, where eventual runners-up Aiden Markram-led South Africa thrashed the Rashid Khan-led Asian side by nine wickets in Trinidad. ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf said, "These fixtures were not initially part of our FTP. Still, based on our productive negotiations with our counterparts at Cricket South Africa, we concluded that we will host the Proteas for an ODI series in September. They are an excellent team, and we are eagerly looking forward to hosting them and playing them regularly in the future." Also read: Suryakumar has a big heart as leader: Washington Sundar lauds new T20I captain after India whitewash Sri Lanka Meanwhile, Ashraf's CSA counterpart Lawson Naidoo added, "We are excited to embark on this historic ODI series with Afghanistan, who have become a very competitive all-round team as evidenced by their recent performances in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 and most recently at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. This is a significant milestone in our cricketing relations, and we look forward to a competitive and entertaining series." Afghanistan-South Africa ODI Series Schedule: 1st ODI on September 18 2nd ODI on September 20 3rd ODI on September 22 All the games will be held at the Sharjah International Cricket Stadium in Sharjah. Interestingly, both Afghanistan and South Africa are also placed in the same group in the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) draft schedule for next year's Champions Trophy. The mega event is scheduled to be held in Pakistan where Group A comprises India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand whereas the other group includes Australia, England, South Africa and the Afghans.

Champions Trophy 2025: Afghanistan to host South Africa for three ODIs in Sharjah in tune-up for mega event

#Gravitas | Chinese engineers and the Taliban government commenced a groundbreaking project to mine the world's second-largest copper deposit in Afghanistan after a 16-year delay marked by war. This mining project is more than just an economic endeavor. It’s a complex tapestry of historical preservation, geopolitical strategy and the quest for natural resources and influence.

Gravitas: Work on the world's second-largest copper deposit in Afghanistan commences

<p>At least 17 people were killed and 34 more injured when a bus overturned in northern Afghanistan on Tuesday, a local official said.</p>

<p>The accident occurred on a highway linking the capital Kabul to the north of the country, Mustafa Hashemi, director of information and culture of Baghlan province, told AFP.</p>

<p>He said the dead included 12 men, two women, and three children.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/serial-killer-who-murdered-42-kenyan-women-including-his-wife-arrested-741321">Serial killer who murdered 42 Kenyan women, including his wife, arrested</a></strong></p>

<p>Traffic accidents are common in Afghanistan, due in part to poor roads after decades of conflict, dangerous driving and a lack of regulation.</p>

<p>In March, 21 people were killed and 38 injured in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province when a bus collided with an oil tanker and a motorbike.</p>


At least 17 people were killed and 34 more injured when a bus overturned in northern Afghanistan on Tuesday, a local official said. The accident occurred on a highway linking the capital Kabul to the north of the country, Mustafa Hashemi, director of information and culture of Baghlan province, told AFP.

At least 17 people were killed and 34 more injured when a bus overturned in northern Afghanistan on Tuesday, a local official said. The accident occurred on a highway linking the capital Kabul to the north of the country, Mustafa Hashemi, director of information and culture of Baghlan province, told AFP. He said the dead included 12 men, two women, and three children. Also read: Serial killer who murdered 42 Kenyan women, including his wife, arrested Traffic accidents are common in Afghanistan, due in part to poor roads after decades of conflict, dangerous driving and a lack of regulation. In March, 21 people were killed and 38 injured in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province when a bus collided with an oil tanker and a motorbike.

Afghanistan: Bus overturns on highway, accident leaves 17 dead and 34 injured

<p>Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is the largest terrorist group operating in Afghanistan with increased support from the Taliban government for TTP's cross-border attacks into Pakistan,&nbsp;a newly released United Nations report has found.</p>

<p>The report's findings point to the violation of the Doha agreement signed between the Taliban and the United States which led to the withdrawal of the Western forces stationed in Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks.</p>

<p>The UN sanctions monitoring team issued this assessment earlier this week amid a significant surge in TTP-led terror attacks targeting Pakistani security forces and civilians, which have resulted in hundreds of deaths in recent weeks.</p>

<p>The report states, "TTP continues to operate at a significant scale in Afghanistan and to conduct terrorist operations into Pakistan from there, often utilising Afghans."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-support-to-taliban-regime-emboldens-terror-inside-its-borders-un-report-619894">Pakistan's support to Taliban regime emboldens terror inside its borders: UN report</a></strong></p>

<p>It estimates the strength of TTP to be between 6,000 and 6,500 fighters in Afghanistan.</p>

<p>"Further, the Taliban have proved unable or unwilling to manage the threat from Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan, whose attacks into Pakistan have intensified," the document added.</p>

<p>"Taliban support to TTP also appears to have increased."</p>

<p>The escalating violence has strained relations between Islamabad and the Taliban-led government in Kabul, which denies harbouring any terrorist groups or permitting the use of Afghan soil for attacks on neighbouring countries.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan threatens to bomb terror hideouts of TTP in Afghanistan | World At War</strong></p>

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<p>"The Taliban do not conceive of TTP as a terrorist group: the bonds are close, and the debt owed to TTP is significant," the UN report asserted.</p>

<p>TTP emerged in Pakistan’s border areas in 2007, providing recruits and shelter to the Afghan Taliban, who intensified insurgent attacks against US and NATO forces in Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Taliban have not yet responded to the UN's findings but they have previously dismissed similar reports as propaganda against their government.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-claims-60-pc-rise-in-terror-after-investing-in-afghanistans-taliban-regime-656479">After backing Taliban for years, Pakistan now claims 60 pc rise in terror from Afghanistan</a></strong></p>

<p>The report mentions that TTP operatives and local fighters receive training in al-Qaeda camps in border provinces such as Nangarhar, Kandahar, Kunar, and Nuristan. Al-Qaeda also supports TTP by sharing Afghan fighters for military operations.</p>

<p>One UN member state expressed concern that increased collaboration with al-Qaeda could turn TTP into an "extra-regional threat."</p>

<p>NATO-caliber weapons, especially night vision equipment, provided to TTP since the Taliban's takeover, have added to the lethality of their attacks on Pakistani military posts, according to UN member states.</p>


Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is the largest terrorist group operating in Afghanistan with increased support from the Taliban government for TTP's cross-border attacks into Pakistan, a newly released United Nations report has found.

Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is the largest terrorist group operating in Afghanistan with increased support from the Taliban government for TTP's cross-border attacks into Pakistan, a newly released United Nations report has found. The report's findings point to the violation of the Doha agreement signed between the Taliban and the United States which led to the withdrawal of the Western forces stationed in Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks. The UN sanctions monitoring team issued this assessment earlier this week amid a significant surge in TTP-led terror attacks targeting Pakistani security forces and civilians, which have resulted in hundreds of deaths in recent weeks. The report states, "TTP continues to operate at a significant scale in Afghanistan and to conduct terrorist operations into Pakistan from there, often utilising Afghans." Also read | Pakistan's support to Taliban regime emboldens terror inside its borders: UN report It estimates the strength of TTP to be between 6,000 and 6,500 fighters in Afghanistan. "Further, the Taliban have proved unable or unwilling to manage the threat from Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan, whose attacks into Pakistan have intensified," the document added. "Taliban support to TTP also appears to have increased." The escalating violence has strained relations between Islamabad and the Taliban-led government in Kabul, which denies harbouring any terrorist groups or permitting the use of Afghan soil for attacks on neighbouring countries. Also watch | Pakistan threatens to bomb terror hideouts of TTP in Afghanistan | World At War × "The Taliban do not conceive of TTP as a terrorist group: the bonds are close, and the debt owed to TTP is significant," the UN report asserted. TTP emerged in Pakistan’s border areas in 2007, providing recruits and shelter to the Afghan Taliban, who intensified insurgent attacks against US and NATO forces in Afghanistan. The Taliban have not yet responded to the UN's findings but they have previously dismissed similar reports as propaganda against their government. Also read | After backing Taliban for years, Pakistan now claims 60 pc rise in terror from Afghanistan The report mentions that TTP operatives and local fighters receive training in al-Qaeda camps in border provinces such as Nangarhar, Kandahar, Kunar, and Nuristan. Al-Qaeda also supports TTP by sharing Afghan fighters for military operations. One UN member state expressed concern that increased collaboration with al-Qaeda could turn TTP into an "extra-regional threat." NATO-caliber weapons, especially night vision equipment, provided to TTP since the Taliban's takeover, have added to the lethality of their attacks on Pakistani military posts, according to UN member states.

Afghan Taliban's Pakistani offshoot gets refuge in former Al-Qaeda hideouts: UN report

<p>Two American prisoners were being held in custody in Afghanistan, a&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;government spokesman said Wednesday, and an "exchange" for Afghans held in Guantanamo Bay had been discussed with the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zabihullah Mujahid did not name the US prisoners, but an American woman was among more than a dozen staff of an international NGO arrested by&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;authorities last September, and aid worker Ryan Corbett has been custody in since 2022.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Taliban representatives in Qatar meet UN officials</strong></p>

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<p>"We should be able to free our citizens in (an) exchange, as American citizens are important for them (the United States), just as Afghans are important&nbsp;for&nbsp;us," Mujahid told a press conference in Kabul.</p>

<p>He said discussions over a prisoner exchange were held with US representatives during United Nations-led talks in Qatar.</p>

<p>The talks, which gathered UN officials,&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;authorities and the special envoys to Afghanistan, ended on Monday.</p>

<p>"Two American citizens are imprisoned in Afghanistan," Mujahid told the press conference, adding that Afghan prisoners were also held in the United States, including in the secretive US prison in Cuba.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have had discussions on their release with them (the United States) before. Afghanistan's conditions should be accepted," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An American woman was among at least 18 staff of non-governmental organisation International Assistance Mission (IAM) detained on accusations of carrying out Christian missionary work.</p>

<p>The UN in June warned Corbett's "life could be at risk" and called for&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;authorities to give him "immediate access to medical treatment for his deteriorating health".</p>

<p>Dozens of foreigners have been detained by the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;authorities since the group's return to power in August 2021.</p>

<h2>Travel risks</h2>

<p>Many countries, including the United States, warn against citizens travelling to Afghanistan, citing risks of wrongful detention, violence and kidnapping.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At least one Afghan prisoner remains in detention at Guantanamo Bay, Muhammad Rahim, whose family called for his release&nbsp;in&nbsp;November.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In February, two former prisoners held in Guantanamo Bay until 2017 were welcomed home to Afghanistan, more than 20 years after they were arrested.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Abdul Karim and Abdul Zahir had been transferred to Oman and held under house arrest until&nbsp;their&nbsp;release.</p>

<p>They were among hundreds of suspected militants captured by US forces and held in Guantanamo Bay.</p>

<p>US authorities faced accusations of torture and abuse against prisoners at the facility, where many were held without charge or the legal power to challenge their detention.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Most of the military prison's inmates have been released over the years, including senior&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US government has said for years it is working to reduce the number of detainees and eventually shut down Guantanamo Bay, which lies on the island of Cuba but is under US&nbsp;jurisdiction.&nbsp;</p>


Two American prisoners were being held in custody in Afghanistan, a Taliban government spokesman said Wednesday, and an "exchange" for Afghans held in Guantanamo Bay had been discussed with the United States.

Two American prisoners were being held in custody in Afghanistan, a Taliban government spokesman said Wednesday, and an "exchange" for Afghans held in Guantanamo Bay had been discussed with the United States. Zabihullah Mujahid did not name the US prisoners, but an American woman was among more than a dozen staff of an international NGO arrested by Taliban authorities last September, and aid worker Ryan Corbett has been custody in since 2022. Also watch | Taliban representatives in Qatar meet UN officials × "We should be able to free our citizens in (an) exchange, as American citizens are important for them (the United States), just as Afghans are important for us," Mujahid told a press conference in Kabul. He said discussions over a prisoner exchange were held with US representatives during United Nations-led talks in Qatar. The talks, which gathered UN officials, Taliban authorities and the special envoys to Afghanistan, ended on Monday. "Two American citizens are imprisoned in Afghanistan," Mujahid told the press conference, adding that Afghan prisoners were also held in the United States, including in the secretive US prison in Cuba. "We have had discussions on their release with them (the United States) before. Afghanistan's conditions should be accepted," he said. An American woman was among at least 18 staff of non-governmental organisation International Assistance Mission (IAM) detained on accusations of carrying out Christian missionary work. The UN in June warned Corbett's "life could be at risk" and called for Taliban authorities to give him "immediate access to medical treatment for his deteriorating health". Dozens of foreigners have been detained by the Taliban authorities since the group's return to power in August 2021. Travel risks Many countries, including the United States, warn against citizens travelling to Afghanistan, citing risks of wrongful detention, violence and kidnapping. At least one Afghan prisoner remains in detention at Guantanamo Bay, Muhammad Rahim, whose family called for his release in November. In February, two former prisoners held in Guantanamo Bay until 2017 were welcomed home to Afghanistan, more than 20 years after they were arrested. Abdul Karim and Abdul Zahir had been transferred to Oman and held under house arrest until their release. They were among hundreds of suspected militants captured by US forces and held in Guantanamo Bay. US authorities faced accusations of torture and abuse against prisoners at the facility, where many were held without charge or the legal power to challenge their detention. Most of the military prison's inmates have been released over the years, including senior Taliban leaders. The US government has said for years it is working to reduce the number of detainees and eventually shut down Guantanamo Bay, which lies on the island of Cuba but is under US jurisdiction.

Taliban says it discussed prisoner 'exchange' with the US

A Taliban delegation on Sunday attended a United Nations-led meeting in Qatar on Afghanistan after organizers said women would be excluded from the gathering. Watch in for more details!

Taliban delegation attends a UN-led meeting in Qatar

Representatives of Afghanistan’s Taliban regime began meetings on Sunday with UN officials as they attended talks in Doha with special envoys to the Central Asian country for the first time, a UN spokesperson said. The two-day, UN-hosted meeting in Qatar is the third of its kind in the gas-rich emirate in just over a year but the first to include Taliban authorities.

Taliban representatives meet UN officials, delegation led by Zabihullah Mujahid

Taliban representatives in Qatar meet UN officials

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<p>The Taliban administration in Afghanistan on Saturday (June 29) said that the demands over&nbsp;women's rights were "Afghanistan's issues" to solve,&nbsp;ahead of United Nations-led engagement talks where the exclusion of Afghan women has sparked an outcry. The agenda at the talks, which begin in Qatar on Sunday,&nbsp;would include combating narcotics and economic issues in Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Taliban would be sending their first delegation to the third round of talks.&nbsp;Rights groups have condemned the exclusion of Afghan women from the main meetings and the lack of human rights issues on the agenda.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Authorities acknowledge issues about Afghan women'</strong></h2>

<p>Addressing a press conference, Taliban spokesperson&nbsp;Zabihullah Mujahid said that authorities acknowledged issues&nbsp;about women. However, these "issues are Afghanistan's issues," said Mujahid who will lead the delegation for Sunday's talks.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-women-jailed-for-bad-hijab-say-they-faced-sexual-assault-by-taliban-734885">Afghan women jailed for 'bad hijab' say they faced sexual assault by Taliban</a></strong></p>

<p>"We are working to find a logical path toward solutions inside Afghanistan so that, God forbid, our country doesn't again fall into conflict and discord," he added.&nbsp;"If Afghans participate through several channels, it means we are still scattered, our nation is still not unified," Mujahid further said.</p>

<h2><strong>'Taliban seek positive relations with all countries'</strong></h2>

<p>The UN-led engagement talks were launched in May last year&nbsp;to increase international coordination on engagement with the Taliban, who came to power in Afghanistan in 2021, a report by the news agency AFP said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taliban authorities were&nbsp;not invited to the first talks in Doha last year and refused to attend the second conference, demanding that they be the sole Afghan representatives to the exclusion of invited civil society groups.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Taliban to attend UN-led meeting in Qatar on Afghanistan</strong></p>

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<p>That condition was met for the third round of talks.</p>

<p>During Saturday's press conference, Mujahid reiterated that his administration&nbsp;sought positive relations with all countries. But he pointed out that no major discussions would take place in Doha on Sunday and the meeting&nbsp;was an opportunity to exchange views, particularly with the West.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Taliban administration in Afghanistan on Saturday (June 29) said that the demands over women's rights were "Afghanistan's issues" to solve, ahead of United Nations-led engagement talks where the exclusion of Afghan women has sparked an outcry.

The Taliban administration in Afghanistan on Saturday (June 29) said that the demands over women's rights were "Afghanistan's issues" to solve, ahead of United Nations-led engagement talks where the exclusion of Afghan women has sparked an outcry. The agenda at the talks, which begin in Qatar on Sunday, would include combating narcotics and economic issues in Afghanistan. The Taliban would be sending their first delegation to the third round of talks. Rights groups have condemned the exclusion of Afghan women from the main meetings and the lack of human rights issues on the agenda. 'Authorities acknowledge issues about Afghan women' Addressing a press conference, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said that authorities acknowledged issues about women. However, these "issues are Afghanistan's issues," said Mujahid who will lead the delegation for Sunday's talks. Also read | Afghan women jailed for 'bad hijab' say they faced sexual assault by Taliban "We are working to find a logical path toward solutions inside Afghanistan so that, God forbid, our country doesn't again fall into conflict and discord," he added. "If Afghans participate through several channels, it means we are still scattered, our nation is still not unified," Mujahid further said. 'Taliban seek positive relations with all countries' The UN-led engagement talks were launched in May last year to increase international coordination on engagement with the Taliban, who came to power in Afghanistan in 2021, a report by the news agency AFP said. Taliban authorities were not invited to the first talks in Doha last year and refused to attend the second conference, demanding that they be the sole Afghan representatives to the exclusion of invited civil society groups. Also watch | Taliban to attend UN-led meeting in Qatar on Afghanistan × That condition was met for the third round of talks. During Saturday's press conference, Mujahid reiterated that his administration sought positive relations with all countries. But he pointed out that no major discussions would take place in Doha on Sunday and the meeting was an opportunity to exchange views, particularly with the West. (With inputs from agencies)

Rights of Afghan women is an internal issue: Taliban ahead of UN-led talks

The Taliban government officially announced that it would be sending a delegation to the UN-hosted meeting in Qatar on June 30 and July 1. The meeting is the third UN-sponsored gathering on the Afghan crisis in the Qatari capital of Doha. Watch in for more details!

Taliban to attend UN-led meeting in Qatar on Afghanistan

<p>Thousands of Afghan&nbsp;fans stormed the streets of major cities in the country after the national side secured a historic spot in the semifinals of the ongoing T20 World Cup in the US and Caribbean.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Led by Rashid Khan, Afghanistan beat Bangladesh by eight runs to not only qualify for the top-4 but also knock out mighty Australians from the tournament.&nbsp;From Kandahar to Khost to Kabul, Afghans had another reason to go ballistic, days after celebrating Eid.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch videos and photos of Afghans celebrating across the country:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Celebrations of fans in Afghanistan says everything.🇦🇫<br />
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- THIS IS ABSOLUTE MADNESS. 🔥<a href="https://t.co/KHuWPRoV7A">pic.twitter.com/KHuWPRoV7A</a></p>
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImTanujSingh/status/1805520927469502705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) posted a video from Paktia province where fans could be seen celebrating the victory as traffic came to a standstill.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Cricket fans gather in Paktia province to celebrate <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfghanAtalan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AfghanAtalan</a>'s qualification for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> Semi-Finals. 🤩<a href="https://t.co/26GhawhaIi">https://t.co/26GhawhaIi</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfghanAtalan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AfghanAtalan</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AFGvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AFGvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GloriousNationVictoriousTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GloriousNationVictoriousTeam</a> <a href="https://t.co/QFL72eBk2S">pic.twitter.com/QFL72eBk2S</a></p>
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) <a href="https://twitter.com/ACBofficials/status/1805491438517416409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">𝐊𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧! 🤩<br />
<br />
They know how to celebrate <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfghanAtalan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AfghanAtalan</a>'s heroics at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a>! 👏💪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AFGvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AFGvAUS</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GloriousNationVictoriousTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GloriousNationVictoriousTeam</a> <a href="https://t.co/SZQ0O1xt0Z">pic.twitter.com/SZQ0O1xt0Z</a></p>
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) <a href="https://twitter.com/ACBofficials/status/1805494924466389417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="in">𝐍𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐡𝐚𝐫 𝐄𝐫𝐮𝐩𝐭𝐬! 🤩<br />
<br />
Unbelievable scenes in Jalalabad City! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfghanAtalan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AfghanAtalan</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GloriousNationVictoriousTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GloriousNationVictoriousTeam</a> <a href="https://t.co/CCW4cwdi6V">pic.twitter.com/CCW4cwdi6V</a></p>
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) <a href="https://twitter.com/ACBofficials/status/1805498601713352921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/watch-afghanistan-burst-into-celebrations-after-entering-t20-wc-semifinals-with-win-over-bangladesh-734941"><strong>WATCH: Afghanistan burst into celebrations after entering T20 WC semifinals with win over Bangladesh</strong></a></p>

<p>The ACB also posted a video of Rashid Khan having a conversation with&nbsp;Taliban Interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Mutaqqi&nbsp;via video call to congratulate the Afghan captain for making history by making it to the semi-final.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="rtl" lang="ps">د هېواد د بهرنیو چارو وزیر ښاغلي امیر خان متقي د نړیوال جام نیمه پایلوبو ته د افغان اتلانو د لارموندنې په پار لوبډلمشر راشد خان ته مبارکي ورکړه او لوبډلې ته یې د لا زیاتو بریاو غوښتنه وکړه، د دوی بشپړې ټیلیفوني خبرې اترې دلته اورېدلی شئ. <a href="https://t.co/YMz3jI6Mwe">pic.twitter.com/YMz3jI6Mwe</a></p>
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) <a href="https://twitter.com/ACBofficials/status/1805529306002559241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>In what was a hard-fought victory, the Afghan side had to dig deep to find the resources to topple the Bangla Tigers. Batting first on a tacky wicket, Afghanistan only posted 115&nbsp;runs after some disciplined bowling effort from Bangladesh.&nbsp;The Afghan side may not even have crossed 100 if it wasn't for the late cameo of their captain who smashed 19 runs in 10 balls.</p>

<p>Defending the total, Fazalhaq Farooqi dropped the first blood by trapping Tanzid Hasan plumb in front of the wickets with a banana-swing delivery.&nbsp;&nbsp;Naveen-ul-Haq added to Bangladesh's woes by striking twice in the third over - dismissing skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and Shakib A Hasan in the process.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Afterwards, it was all about picking wickets at regular intervals and Rashid Khan stepped up here as well. He signed off with figures reading 4/23 and ensured that Afghanistan etched their name in the history books.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Thousands of Afghan fans stormed the streets of major cities in the country after the national side secured a historic spot in the semifinals of the ongoing T20 World Cup in the US and Caribbean.

Thousands of Afghan fans stormed the streets of major cities in the country after the national side secured a historic spot in the semifinals of the ongoing T20 World Cup in the US and Caribbean. Led by Rashid Khan, Afghanistan beat Bangladesh by eight runs to not only qualify for the top-4 but also knock out mighty Australians from the tournament. From Kandahar to Khost to Kabul, Afghans had another reason to go ballistic, days after celebrating Eid. Watch videos and photos of Afghans celebrating across the country: The Celebrations of fans in Afghanistan says everything.🇦🇫 - THIS IS ABSOLUTE MADNESS. 🔥pic.twitter.com/KHuWPRoV7A — Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) June 25, 2024 × Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) posted a video from Paktia province where fans could be seen celebrating the victory as traffic came to a standstill. Cricket fans gather in Paktia province to celebrate #AfghanAtalan's qualification for the #T20WorldCup Semi-Finals. 🤩https://t.co/26GhawhaIi#AfghanAtalan | #T20WorldCup | #AFGvIND | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/QFL72eBk2S — Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) June 25, 2024 × 𝐊𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧! 🤩 They know how to celebrate #AfghanAtalan's heroics at the #T20WorldCup! 👏💪#AFGvAUS | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/SZQ0O1xt0Z — Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) June 25, 2024 × 𝐍𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐡𝐚𝐫 𝐄𝐫𝐮𝐩𝐭𝐬! 🤩 Unbelievable scenes in Jalalabad City! #AfghanAtalan | #T20WorldCup | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/CCW4cwdi6V — Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) June 25, 2024 × WATCH: Afghanistan burst into celebrations after entering T20 WC semifinals with win over Bangladesh The ACB also posted a video of Rashid Khan having a conversation with Taliban Interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Mutaqqi via video call to congratulate the Afghan captain for making history by making it to the semi-final. د هېواد د بهرنیو چارو وزیر ښاغلي امیر خان متقي د نړیوال جام نیمه پایلوبو ته د افغان اتلانو د لارموندنې په پار لوبډلمشر راشد خان ته مبارکي ورکړه او لوبډلې ته یې د لا زیاتو بریاو غوښتنه وکړه، د دوی بشپړې ټیلیفوني خبرې اترې دلته اورېدلی شئ. pic.twitter.com/YMz3jI6Mwe — Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) June 25, 2024 × In what was a hard-fought victory, the Afghan side had to dig deep to find the resources to topple the Bangla Tigers. Batting first on a tacky wicket, Afghanistan only posted 115 runs after some disciplined bowling effort from Bangladesh. The Afghan side may not even have crossed 100 if it wasn't for the late cameo of their captain who smashed 19 runs in 10 balls. Defending the total, Fazalhaq Farooqi dropped the first blood by trapping Tanzid Hasan plumb in front of the wickets with a banana-swing delivery. Naveen-ul-Haq added to Bangladesh's woes by striking twice in the third over - dismissing skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and Shakib A Hasan in the process. Afterwards, it was all about picking wickets at regular intervals and Rashid Khan stepped up here as well. He signed off with figures reading 4/23 and ensured that Afghanistan etched their name in the history books. (With inputs from agencies)

T20 World Cup 2024: Watch | Afghanistan fans party on streets after historic win vs Bangladesh

<p>South Africa and Afghanistan are bracing to lock horns on Thursday (June 27) in the first semi-final of the 2024 T20 World Cup. The match, set to take place at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba in Trinidad, will be extremely crucial for both the teams to create history by making their first-ever T20 WC final appearance.</p>

<p>With their outstanding performance in the tournament, South Africa have reached the semi-final undefeated. Afghanistan, on the other hand, have been scripting a fairytale run with their triumph over Bangladesh.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-wc-2024-explained-what-if-both-semifinals-wash-out-who-wins-incase-final-is-also-called-off-735341">EXPLAINED! What if both semifinals wash out? Who wins in case final is also called off?</a></p>

<p>However, all eyes are on an intermittent spoilsport- the weather, as predictions mount up over rains impacting the fixture, in light of multiple recent matches during the tournament being cancelled or disrupted.</p>

<h2><strong>South Africa vs Afghanistan: Weather forecast</strong></h2>

<p>With the faceoff beginning on June 26 at 8:30 PM local time (June 27, 6:00 AM IST), there are high chances of rain on the match day in Tarouba, Trinidad, as per weather.com.</p>

<p>However, the silver lining is that the rain forecast is mainly for the afternoon, while the match will start at 8:30 PM local time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Between 1-3 PM local time, the chances of rain are 35-43%, but the conditions should get drier by the evening.</p>

<p>The current probability of rain around the start of the game is in single digits but may show a rise to 11% after 11 PM local time.</p>

<p>While the temperatures are expected to be between 26-27 degrees Celsius during the match, the weather will remain partly cloudy with humidity as high as 80-90%.</p>

<h2><strong>What if rain plays spoilsport in South Africa vs Afghanistan match?</strong></h2>

<p>Albeit the first semi-final between South Africa and Afghanistan has a reserve day, an additional 60 minutes will be provided before that on the scheduled day to finish the match. An extra 190 minutes will be added on the reserve day to try and reach a result.</p>

<p>Despite this, organisers will make every effort to finish the match on the scheduled day, even if it requires reducing overs.</p>

<p>Notably, both sides will need to bat a minimum of 10 overs per innings to complete the semi-final.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If the match begins on the scheduled day but has to be put on hold due to rain, it will resume from that point on reserve day.</p>

<h2><strong>What happens if South Africa vs Afghanistan match gets washed out?</strong></h2>

<p>In spite of the above provisions, if the match is washed out, then South Africa will qualify for the final as they finished at the top of their Group 2 in Super 8s, while Afghanistan finished behind India in Group 1.</p>


South Africa and Afghanistan are bracing to lock horns on Thursday (June 27) in the first semi-final of the 2024 T20 World Cup. The match, set to take place at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba in Trinidad, will be extremely crucial for both the teams to create history by making their first-ever T20 WC final appearance.

South Africa and Afghanistan are bracing to lock horns on Thursday (June 27) in the first semi-final of the 2024 T20 World Cup. The match, set to take place at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba in Trinidad, will be extremely crucial for both the teams to create history by making their first-ever T20 WC final appearance. With their outstanding performance in the tournament, South Africa have reached the semi-final undefeated. Afghanistan, on the other hand, have been scripting a fairytale run with their triumph over Bangladesh. Also Read: EXPLAINED! What if both semifinals wash out? Who wins in case final is also called off? However, all eyes are on an intermittent spoilsport- the weather, as predictions mount up over rains impacting the fixture, in light of multiple recent matches during the tournament being cancelled or disrupted. South Africa vs Afghanistan: Weather forecast With the faceoff beginning on June 26 at 8:30 PM local time (June 27, 6:00 AM IST), there are high chances of rain on the match day in Tarouba, Trinidad, as per weather.com. However, the silver lining is that the rain forecast is mainly for the afternoon, while the match will start at 8:30 PM local time. Between 1-3 PM local time, the chances of rain are 35-43%, but the conditions should get drier by the evening. The current probability of rain around the start of the game is in single digits but may show a rise to 11% after 11 PM local time. While the temperatures are expected to be between 26-27 degrees Celsius during the match, the weather will remain partly cloudy with humidity as high as 80-90%. What if rain plays spoilsport in South Africa vs Afghanistan match? Albeit the first semi-final between South Africa and Afghanistan has a reserve day, an additional 60 minutes will be provided before that on the scheduled day to finish the match. An extra 190 minutes will be added on the reserve day to try and reach a result. Despite this, organisers will make every effort to finish the match on the scheduled day, even if it requires reducing overs. Notably, both sides will need to bat a minimum of 10 overs per innings to complete the semi-final. If the match begins on the scheduled day but has to be put on hold due to rain, it will resume from that point on reserve day. What happens if South Africa vs Afghanistan match gets washed out? In spite of the above provisions, if the match is washed out, then South Africa will qualify for the final as they finished at the top of their Group 2 in Super 8s, while Afghanistan finished behind India in Group 1.

T20 World Cup 2024: SA vs AFG semi-final weather report: Will rain clouds cast shadow over the match?

<p>South Africa head coach Rob Walter says this Proteas team is different from the past which failed to win the close games. The comments came a day before South Africa's semi-final against Afghanistan in the ongoing T20 World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is to be noted that the Proteas have won all of their games in the tournament so far despite most of them being close ones. Coach Walter says the misses of the past belong to the people who missed them.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/former-england-cricketer-slams-icc-asks-them-to-scrap-fixed-india-vs-pakistan-fixtures-in-mega-events-735304">Former England cricketer SLAMS ICC, asks them to scrap 'FIXED' India vs Pakistan fixtures in mega events</a></p>

<p>South Africa have had a tendency to losing games under pressure and have never won an ICC title.</p>

<p>"The near misses in the past, they belong to the people who missed them," Walter said at the pre-match press conference.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"To be honest, this team is a different team. We own whatever is ours to own. And so, our nearest reflection point is this tournament where we've managed to get over the line. So that's what we think about," he added.</p>

<p>The SA coach, however, agreed there'll be anxiety mixed with excitement given the occasion.</p>

<p>"There'll be a mixture of emotions which is with anxiety but excitement and I think anyone in any sport, if they get to this phase of a competition, feels that. And so really, it's just acknowledging that and accepting it and then just understanding what you'll do with that. We still want to play our best cricket in the key moments of the game tomorrow," said Walter.</p>

<p>Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott, however, believes that the pressure is on Proteas and not them.</p>

<p>"This is uncharted territory for us. We're just going to go out there and give it our all. There's no preconceived ideas on it all, or history of failure or success in semi-finals in past years. For us it's a new challenge, and I think that makes us dangerous in the semi-finals as a side with nothing to lose and obviously a lot of pressure on the opposition," said the Afghan coach.</p>


South Africa head coach Rob Walter says this Proteas team is different from the past which failed to win the close games. The comments came a day before South Africa's semi-final against Afghanistan in the ongoing T20 World Cup.

South Africa head coach Rob Walter says this Proteas team is different from the past which failed to win the close games. The comments came a day before South Africa's semi-final against Afghanistan in the ongoing T20 World Cup. It is to be noted that the Proteas have won all of their games in the tournament so far despite most of them being close ones. Coach Walter says the misses of the past belong to the people who missed them. Also Read: Former England cricketer SLAMS ICC, asks them to scrap 'FIXED' India vs Pakistan fixtures in mega events South Africa have had a tendency to losing games under pressure and have never won an ICC title. "The near misses in the past, they belong to the people who missed them," Walter said at the pre-match press conference. "To be honest, this team is a different team. We own whatever is ours to own. And so, our nearest reflection point is this tournament where we've managed to get over the line. So that's what we think about," he added. The SA coach, however, agreed there'll be anxiety mixed with excitement given the occasion. "There'll be a mixture of emotions which is with anxiety but excitement and I think anyone in any sport, if they get to this phase of a competition, feels that. And so really, it's just acknowledging that and accepting it and then just understanding what you'll do with that. We still want to play our best cricket in the key moments of the game tomorrow," said Walter. Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott, however, believes that the pressure is on Proteas and not them. "This is uncharted territory for us. We're just going to go out there and give it our all. There's no preconceived ideas on it all, or history of failure or success in semi-finals in past years. For us it's a new challenge, and I think that makes us dangerous in the semi-finals as a side with nothing to lose and obviously a lot of pressure on the opposition," said the Afghan coach.

T20 World Cup 2024: SA coach Rob Walter says 'near misses of past' don't belong to this team

<p>As the Afghan cricket team reaches the T20 World Cup semi-finals and reaches a new milestone, the Taliban has thanked India for the capacity building that has been provided by Delhi for many years. Afghanistan qualified for the semis by beating Bangladesh by eight runs and will now play South Africa on Thursday (June 27).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taliban's Head of the Political Office, Suhail Shaheen told WION, "We are thankful for India’s continuous help in capacity building of the Afghan Cricket Team. We really appreciate that."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-world-cup-2024-watch-afghanistan-fans-party-on-streets-after-historic-win-vs-bangladesh-734963">T20 World Cup 2024: Watch | Afghanistan fans party on streets after historic win vs Bangladesh</a></p>

<p>Since the last several years, India has provided capacity building to Afghan cricket by providing training to the players in Indian stadiums and sponsorship&nbsp;by Indian companies, among other things. Delhi's support was key to building the Kandahar cricket stadium with a grant of $1 million.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Not only physical infrastructure, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) provided the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida as a temporary "home-ground" for the Afghan team. Another home ground was provided in Dehradun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India also hosted Afghanistan's first-ever Test match in 2018, which was a significant milestone for the Afghan cricket team. In fact, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has also been instrumental in the growth of Afghan cricket.&nbsp; Players like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman today have become household names in Afghanistan and India, and &nbsp;the victories by them are celebrated by people of both countries.&nbsp;</p>


As the Afghan cricket team reaches the T20 World Cup semi-finals and reaches a new milestone, the Taliban has thanked India for the capacity building that has been provided by Delhi for many years.

As the Afghan cricket team reaches the T20 World Cup semi-finals and reaches a new milestone, the Taliban has thanked India for the capacity building that has been provided by Delhi for many years. Afghanistan qualified for the semis by beating Bangladesh by eight runs and will now play South Africa on Thursday (June 27). Taliban's Head of the Political Office, Suhail Shaheen told WION, "We are thankful for India’s continuous help in capacity building of the Afghan Cricket Team. We really appreciate that." Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024: Watch | Afghanistan fans party on streets after historic win vs Bangladesh Since the last several years, India has provided capacity building to Afghan cricket by providing training to the players in Indian stadiums and sponsorship by Indian companies, among other things. Delhi's support was key to building the Kandahar cricket stadium with a grant of $1 million. Not only physical infrastructure, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) provided the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida as a temporary "home-ground" for the Afghan team. Another home ground was provided in Dehradun. India also hosted Afghanistan's first-ever Test match in 2018, which was a significant milestone for the Afghan cricket team. In fact, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has also been instrumental in the growth of Afghan cricket. Players like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman today have become household names in Afghanistan and India, and the victories by them are celebrated by people of both countries.

T20 World Cup 2024: As Afghan cricket soars, Taliban thank India for capacity building

<p>Afghanistan's win over Bangladesh in the Super 8 clash to secure a semis berth in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 has ignited wild celebrations in the Taliban-ruled country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The celebrations became so intense that the authorities resorted to using water cannons to disperse the large crowds. A video of same is going viral on the social media where a water cannon is being used to disperse crowd in Khost area of Afghanistan. Have a look at the video below:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">WATCH | Taliban uses water canons to contain the celebration of Aghan fans after the historic win against Bangladesh in cricket <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WordCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WordCup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AFGvsBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AFGvsBAN</a> <a href="https://t.co/Rd2lVRHl7H">pic.twitter.com/Rd2lVRHl7H</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1805616016916926706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>This is the first time Afghanistan have made it to the semis of an ICC tournament. They won against Australia and Bangladesh in their Super 8 clash while lost against India.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-world-cup-2024-as-afghan-cricket-soars-taliban-thanks-india-for-capacity-building-734969">T20 World Cup 2024: As Afghan cricket soars, Taliban thanks India for capacity building</a></p>

<p>The win against Australia open the group in a way that gave Afghanistan a chance to make it to the last four by beating Bangladesh and hoping India beat Australia.</p>

<p>As the fate would have it, both the results came through as India beat Australia by 24 runs before Afghanistan won by eight runs to enter the last four.</p>

<p>In a wave of elation and congratulatory messages from all over the world, the Afghan team captain Rashid Khan received a call from the country’s Taliban Interim Foreign minister Amir Khan Mutaqqi.</p>

<p>Rashid was very ecstatic after the win and said: "It's a dream for us to be in the semi-finals. The way we started the tournament, the belief came when we beat New Zealand. It's unbelievable. We wanted to make people back home happy, that was the discussion we had and everyone did a wonderful job. It's a big achievement for us as well. We have done that at U-19 level but at this World Cup, I don't have any words to describe the feeling back home. We have to go into the semis with a very clear mind and make sure we enjoy the occasion."</p>

<p>Afghanistan play South Africa in the first semi-final on June 27.</p>


Afghanistan's win over Bangladesh in the Super 8 clash to secure a semis berth in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 has ignited wild celebrations in the Taliban-ruled country.

Afghanistan's win over Bangladesh in the Super 8 clash to secure a semis berth in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 has ignited wild celebrations in the Taliban-ruled country. The celebrations became so intense that the authorities resorted to using water cannons to disperse the large crowds. A video of same is going viral on the social media where a water cannon is being used to disperse crowd in Khost area of Afghanistan. Have a look at the video below: WATCH | Taliban uses water canons to contain the celebration of Aghan fans after the historic win against Bangladesh in cricket #T20WordCup #AFGvsBAN pic.twitter.com/Rd2lVRHl7H — WION (@WIONews) June 25, 2024 × This is the first time Afghanistan have made it to the semis of an ICC tournament. They won against Australia and Bangladesh in their Super 8 clash while lost against India. Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024: As Afghan cricket soars, Taliban thanks India for capacity building The win against Australia open the group in a way that gave Afghanistan a chance to make it to the last four by beating Bangladesh and hoping India beat Australia. As the fate would have it, both the results came through as India beat Australia by 24 runs before Afghanistan won by eight runs to enter the last four. In a wave of elation and congratulatory messages from all over the world, the Afghan team captain Rashid Khan received a call from the country’s Taliban Interim Foreign minister Amir Khan Mutaqqi. Rashid was very ecstatic after the win and said: "It's a dream for us to be in the semi-finals. The way we started the tournament, the belief came when we beat New Zealand. It's unbelievable. We wanted to make people back home happy, that was the discussion we had and everyone did a wonderful job. It's a big achievement for us as well. We have done that at U-19 level but at this World Cup, I don't have any words to describe the feeling back home. We have to go into the semis with a very clear mind and make sure we enjoy the occasion." Afghanistan play South Africa in the first semi-final on June 27.

T20 World Cup 2024: Taliban use water cannon on fans celebrating Afghanistan's win vs Bangladesh - WATCH

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms: - Africa: Kids fed worms to beat malnutrition | - Afghan women jailed for 'bad hijab', say they faced sexual assault by Taliban - Innovative skull-mounted epilepsy treatment delivers life-changing results for UK teen

Africa: Kids fed worms to beat malnutrition | Afghan women jailed for 'bad hijab'

<p>Afghan teenage girls and young women arrested by the country's Taliban rulers for wearing "bad hijab" told media that they were subjected to sexual violence and assault in detention. Reporters from Afghan news service Zan News were told that in more than one case the arrests and sexual abuse that young women faced in detention led to suicide.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, the United Nations had said that many women were detained by the country's Taliban administrators for "bad hijab" in December 2023 and January 2024. This followed a Taliban decree that women must cover themselves from head to toe, revealing just their eyes.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-afghan-women-fear-for-life-as-taliban-ban-male-doctors-from-treating-them-551218">Exclusive | Afghan women fear for life as Taliban ban male doctors from treating them</a></strong></p>

<p>Back then, the UN called the arrests "concerning". But the reporters of the Guardian were told that the girls were subjected to beatings and intimidation while in detention.</p>

<p>The Guardian report cites a 16-year-old Zahra (name changed) who along with another teenage girl was arrested from a shop in west Kabul in December 2023. The girls were reportedly released after two weeks. When she came home, Zahra was “not the girl who had left home two weeks before”.</p>

<p>“I ran and hugged her, but she cried and said, ‘I am dishonoured.’ For the rest of that day, Zahra didn’t eat or talk,” her mother told the Guardian.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals</strong></p>

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<p>"She only sat in a room and cried. I couldn’t dare to ask about what had happened," she said.</p>

<p>A 22-year-old medical student Amina spent three nights in a Taliban prison after being arrested in January 2024. She said she was interrogated by an older man who asked her about her menstruation and whether she was married or not.</p>

<p>"I fell at his feet and begged him, 'Please, kill me but don’t harass me'," she said. "He said: 'Since you are keen to die, I will kill you, but before that, let us have fun with you.'</p>

<p>"Then he started touching my private parts," Amina said. "I fainted twice during the interrogation, but every time, he poured cold water over my head."</p>

<p>Earlier this year, the Taliban’s Ministry of Vice and Virtue told the Associated Press that the women who were arrested "violated Islamic values and rituals and encouraged society and other respected sisters to go for bad hijab … (in)&nbsp;every province, those who go without hijab will be arrested."</p>

<p>Later, the Taliban denied that such arrests had taken place in the first place.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Afghan teenage girls and young women arrested by the country's Taliban rulers for wearing "bad hijab" told media that they were subjected to sexual violence and assault in detention.

Afghan teenage girls and young women arrested by the country's Taliban rulers for wearing "bad hijab" told media that they were subjected to sexual violence and assault in detention. Reporters from Afghan news service Zan News were told that in more than one case the arrests and sexual abuse that young women faced in detention led to suicide. Earlier, the United Nations had said that many women were detained by the country's Taliban administrators for "bad hijab" in December 2023 and January 2024. This followed a Taliban decree that women must cover themselves from head to toe, revealing just their eyes. Also read | Exclusive | Afghan women fear for life as Taliban ban male doctors from treating them Back then, the UN called the arrests "concerning". But the reporters of the Guardian were told that the girls were subjected to beatings and intimidation while in detention. The Guardian report cites a 16-year-old Zahra (name changed) who along with another teenage girl was arrested from a shop in west Kabul in December 2023. The girls were reportedly released after two weeks. When she came home, Zahra was “not the girl who had left home two weeks before”. “I ran and hugged her, but she cried and said, ‘I am dishonoured.’ For the rest of that day, Zahra didn’t eat or talk,” her mother told the Guardian. Also watch | Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals × "She only sat in a room and cried. I couldn’t dare to ask about what had happened," she said. A 22-year-old medical student Amina spent three nights in a Taliban prison after being arrested in January 2024. She said she was interrogated by an older man who asked her about her menstruation and whether she was married or not. "I fell at his feet and begged him, 'Please, kill me but don’t harass me'," she said. "He said: 'Since you are keen to die, I will kill you, but before that, let us have fun with you.' "Then he started touching my private parts," Amina said. "I fainted twice during the interrogation, but every time, he poured cold water over my head." Earlier this year, the Taliban’s Ministry of Vice and Virtue told the Associated Press that the women who were arrested "violated Islamic values and rituals and encouraged society and other respected sisters to go for bad hijab … (in) every province, those who go without hijab will be arrested." Later, the Taliban denied that such arrests had taken place in the first place. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan women jailed for 'bad hijab' say they faced sexual assault by Taliban

<p>On Monday (June 24, local time), Afghanistan edged past Bangladesh by 8 runs (DLS method) in a low-scoring thriller, in the last Super 8 clash, to qualify for their maiden T20 World Cup semifinal. With the victory, Afghanistan joined India from Group 1 to enter the semis whereas South Africa and England qualified for the knockouts from Group 2. Afghanistan's entry in the final four also led to Mitchell Marsh-led Australia's shocking exit from the 20-nation event being held in the West Indies and the USA. Australia ended their run with two successive losses&nbsp;versus Afghanistan and India.</p>

<p>After 52 gruelling encounters, the semifinalists of the ongoing edition have been decided. <strong>Here is the semifinal schedule:</strong></p>

<p><strong>1.</strong> Afghanistan vs South Africa, SF 1 at&nbsp;Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad on Thursday (June 27, 6 AM IST)</p>

<p><strong>2.</strong> India vs England, SF 2 at Province Stadium, Guyana on Thursday (June 27, 8 PM IST)</p>

<p>The mega final will take place on Saturday (June 29) at the Kensington Oval, Barbados.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-world-cup-2024-rohit-bowlers-star-as-india-beat-australia-in-super-8-to-enter-semis-734774">T20 World Cup 2024: Rohit, bowlers star as India beat Australia in Super 8 to enter semis</a></strong></p>

<p>Talking about the Afghans' entry into the last four, they had to beat Bangladesh in the last Super 8 clash, which took place at the Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent. In a rain-hit encounter, Rashid Khan &amp; Co. opted to bat first and rode on opener Rahmatullah Gurbaz's 43 to post a paltry 115 for 5 (with Rishad Hossain taking 3 for 26). In reply, the Bangla Tigers' run-chase was marred with constant rain breaks with the target revised to 114 in 19 overs. Eventually, Rashid and Naveen-ul-Haq's four wickets&nbsp;each dismantled Bangladesh&nbsp;for 105 in 17.5 overs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Australia were dependent on Bangladesh's win to go ahead&nbsp;after a 24-run loss against India, however, Mitchell Marsh &amp; Co. are now set to travel back home.&nbsp;</p>


On Monday (June 24, local time), Afghanistan edged past Bangladesh by 8 runs (DLS method) in a low-scoring thriller, in the last Super 8 clash, to qualify for their maiden T20 World Cup semifinal.

On Monday (June 24, local time), Afghanistan edged past Bangladesh by 8 runs (DLS method) in a low-scoring thriller, in the last Super 8 clash, to qualify for their maiden T20 World Cup semifinal. With the victory, Afghanistan joined India from Group 1 to enter the semis whereas South Africa and England qualified for the knockouts from Group 2. Afghanistan's entry in the final four also led to Mitchell Marsh-led Australia's shocking exit from the 20-nation event being held in the West Indies and the USA. Australia ended their run with two successive losses versus Afghanistan and India. After 52 gruelling encounters, the semifinalists of the ongoing edition have been decided. Here is the semifinal schedule: 1. Afghanistan vs South Africa, SF 1 at Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad on Thursday (June 27, 6 AM IST) 2. India vs England, SF 2 at Province Stadium, Guyana on Thursday (June 27, 8 PM IST) The mega final will take place on Saturday (June 29) at the Kensington Oval, Barbados. Also read: T20 World Cup 2024: Rohit, bowlers star as India beat Australia in Super 8 to enter semis Talking about the Afghans' entry into the last four, they had to beat Bangladesh in the last Super 8 clash, which took place at the Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent. In a rain-hit encounter, Rashid Khan & Co. opted to bat first and rode on opener Rahmatullah Gurbaz's 43 to post a paltry 115 for 5 (with Rishad Hossain taking 3 for 26). In reply, the Bangla Tigers' run-chase was marred with constant rain breaks with the target revised to 114 in 19 overs. Eventually, Rashid and Naveen-ul-Haq's four wickets each dismantled Bangladesh for 105 in 17.5 overs. Australia were dependent on Bangladesh's win to go ahead after a 24-run loss against India, however, Mitchell Marsh & Co. are now set to travel back home.

T20 World Cup 2024 semifinals: Afghanistan to face South Africa, India up against defending champions England

Afghanistan's 21-run victory over the 2021 T20 World Champions, Australia, has kept their hopes of making it to the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup alive. Here's how the Afghans can reach the last four of the 2024 T20 World Cup.

How can Afghanistan qualify for T20 WC Semi-Finals?

<p>The T20 World Cup continues to deliver as Afghanistan stunned the cricketing world on Saturday (Jun 22) by beating Australia to throw open Group 1 of the Super 8 stage. With India and Bangladesh in the group as well, the fate of the teams qualifying for the semifinals will only be decided after the final round of matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here we take a look at the different permutations and combinations that could decide the fate of two qualifying teams.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>If India wins</h2>

<p>India currently sit top of the points table with two wins and a healthy run rate of +2.425. They square up against Australia in the final match of the stage and a win would ensure a definite place in the top-4. A loss would not mean the end of the world either, provided the Men-in-Blue don't lose by a big margin.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>If Australia and Afghanistan win</strong></h2>

<p>In case, Australia floor India and Afghanistan follow suit by beating Bangladesh, three teams will finish on four points and the Net Run Rate (NRR) will come into play.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If defending the total, Australia win by a margin of a solitary run, Afghanistan will need a 36-run margin to move ahead of the Down Under side on NRR.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If Australia win a run-chase off the last ball, Afghanistan will have to win their game in 15.4 overs or sooner (assuming first-innings scores of 160).</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-not-an-upset-cricket-world-reacts-to-afghanistans-historic-win-over-australia-in-super-8s-of-t20-wc-734285"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;‘It’s not an upset’ – Cricket world reacts to Afghanistan’s historic win over Australia in Super 8s of T20 WC</strong></a></p>

<h2>Can India be knocked out?</h2>

<p>While it looks unlikely, there is a scenario where India can be knocked out of the tournament despite winning two matches. If both Australia and Afghanistan win their matches by big margins, India may have to book a returning ticket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Math dictates that Australia will need to overcome India by 41 runs to go past their NRR while Afghanistan will have to subdue Bangladesh by at least 83 runs.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What about Bangladesh?</strong></h2>

<p>The Bangla Tigers have a tall mountain to climb, especially given their inconsistent form in the tournament. The team will need to win by 31 runs to leapfrog Afghanistan's NRR, but they will also need India to annihilate Australia by at least 55 runs, to finish second in the group.</p>

<p>The final round of matches in Group 1 will be played on Monday (Jun 24) with India vs Australia taking place early in the day at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Afghanistan will face Bangladesh at the Arnos Vale Stadium in Kingstown.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The T20 World Cup continues to deliver as Afghanistan stunned the cricketing world on Saturday (Jun 22) by beating Australia to throw open Group 1 of the Super 8 stage.

The T20 World Cup continues to deliver as Afghanistan stunned the cricketing world on Saturday (Jun 22) by beating Australia to throw open Group 1 of the Super 8 stage. With India and Bangladesh in the group as well, the fate of the teams qualifying for the semifinals will only be decided after the final round of matches. Here we take a look at the different permutations and combinations that could decide the fate of two qualifying teams. If India wins India currently sit top of the points table with two wins and a healthy run rate of +2.425. They square up against Australia in the final match of the stage and a win would ensure a definite place in the top-4. A loss would not mean the end of the world either, provided the Men-in-Blue don't lose by a big margin. If Australia and Afghanistan win In case, Australia floor India and Afghanistan follow suit by beating Bangladesh, three teams will finish on four points and the Net Run Rate (NRR) will come into play. If defending the total, Australia win by a margin of a solitary run, Afghanistan will need a 36-run margin to move ahead of the Down Under side on NRR. If Australia win a run-chase off the last ball, Afghanistan will have to win their game in 15.4 overs or sooner (assuming first-innings scores of 160). Also read | ‘It’s not an upset’ – Cricket world reacts to Afghanistan’s historic win over Australia in Super 8s of T20 WC Can India be knocked out? While it looks unlikely, there is a scenario where India can be knocked out of the tournament despite winning two matches. If both Australia and Afghanistan win their matches by big margins, India may have to book a returning ticket. Math dictates that Australia will need to overcome India by 41 runs to go past their NRR while Afghanistan will have to subdue Bangladesh by at least 83 runs. What about Bangladesh? The Bangla Tigers have a tall mountain to climb, especially given their inconsistent form in the tournament. The team will need to win by 31 runs to leapfrog Afghanistan's NRR, but they will also need India to annihilate Australia by at least 55 runs, to finish second in the group. The final round of matches in Group 1 will be played on Monday (Jun 24) with India vs Australia taking place early in the day at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia. Meanwhile, Afghanistan will face Bangladesh at the Arnos Vale Stadium in Kingstown. (With inputs from agencies)

T20 World Cup: Can India be knocked out after Afghanistan's surprise win over Australia?

<p>Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) commander Abdul Manan, also known as Hakimullah, was killed on Sunday (Jun 16) in Afghanistan's Kunar province by unknown men. He was associated with the Malakand chapter of TTP. His killing is considered a big setback to the TTP and a major achievement for Islamabad. Manan was accused of carrying out several terror activities inside Pakistan, according to reports. Pakistan-based media outlets claimed he was involved in many targeted killings and was accused of using improvised explosive devices (IEDs).</p>

<p>As per media sources, Pakistan's Intelligence Based Operations (IBOs) unit may have played a key role in the killing of Manan, and it regularly carries out such operations in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions.</p>

<h2><strong>Who was Abdul Manan?</strong></h2>

<p>Manan was appointed as a Shura Member of TTP Malakand after the militant group was reorganised in 2023 by Noor Wali Mehsud, the leader of the Pakistani Taliban. He also served as a personal assistant to Azmat Ullah Mehsud (Azmat Lala) Wali Malakand, the chief of TTP Malakand.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwikmbbUqeeGAxWGkVYBHVw5BQUQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-at-least-six-killed-eight-injured-after-blast-in-faizabad-city-719337" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-at-least-six-killed-eight-injured-after-blast-in-faizabad-city-719337&amp;ved=2ahUKEwikmbbUqeeGAxWGkVYBHVw5BQUQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE">Afghanistan: Three police personnel killed, five injured in blast targeting convoy</a></strong></p>

<p>He also served as a cleric at a Madrassa of TTP in Sarkano in Kunar province. He has also worked with several top TTP commanders such as Tahir alias Waqar, Umar alias Ismail and others.</p>

<p>Born in Salarzai of Bajaur district in 1985, Manan hailed from the Majakhel tribe. He first joined the TTP in December 2007 and actively participated in major attacks against security forces in Inayat Kallay, Loesam, Damadola, and Saparai back in 2008 to 2010.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwikmbbUqeeGAxWGkVYBHVw5BQUQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-claims-it-killed-dozens-of-pakistanis-involved-in-attacks-inside-afghanistan-675403" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-claims-it-killed-dozens-of-pakistanis-involved-in-attacks-inside-afghanistan-675403&amp;ved=2ahUKEwikmbbUqeeGAxWGkVYBHVw5BQUQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Taliban claims it killed dozens of Pakistanis involved in attacks inside Afghanistan</a></strong></p>

<p>He was arrested by the Afghan civil government in 2014 from the Nangarhar region and he remained in jail along with other TTP commanders like Shahid Umar and MFM. However, he was set free in 2021 following the fall of Kabul and the revival of the Taliban regime.</p>

<p>In previous years, he remained involved in various terrorist activities including IED blasts, targeted killing of Civilians and Security Forces, fire raids at installations and extortion in Bajaur.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) commander Abdul Manan, also known as Hakimullah, was killed on Sunday (Jun 16) in Afghanistan's Kunar province by unknown men. He was associated with the Malakand chapter of TTP.

Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) commander Abdul Manan, also known as Hakimullah, was killed on Sunday (Jun 16) in Afghanistan's Kunar province by unknown men. He was associated with the Malakand chapter of TTP. His killing is considered a big setback to the TTP and a major achievement for Islamabad. Manan was accused of carrying out several terror activities inside Pakistan, according to reports. Pakistan-based media outlets claimed he was involved in many targeted killings and was accused of using improvised explosive devices (IEDs). As per media sources, Pakistan's Intelligence Based Operations (IBOs) unit may have played a key role in the killing of Manan, and it regularly carries out such operations in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions. Who was Abdul Manan? Manan was appointed as a Shura Member of TTP Malakand after the militant group was reorganised in 2023 by Noor Wali Mehsud, the leader of the Pakistani Taliban. He also served as a personal assistant to Azmat Ullah Mehsud (Azmat Lala) Wali Malakand, the chief of TTP Malakand. Also read: Afghanistan: Three police personnel killed, five injured in blast targeting convoy He also served as a cleric at a Madrassa of TTP in Sarkano in Kunar province. He has also worked with several top TTP commanders such as Tahir alias Waqar, Umar alias Ismail and others. Born in Salarzai of Bajaur district in 1985, Manan hailed from the Majakhel tribe. He first joined the TTP in December 2007 and actively participated in major attacks against security forces in Inayat Kallay, Loesam, Damadola, and Saparai back in 2008 to 2010. Also read: Taliban claims it killed dozens of Pakistanis involved in attacks inside Afghanistan He was arrested by the Afghan civil government in 2014 from the Nangarhar region and he remained in jail along with other TTP commanders like Shahid Umar and MFM. However, he was set free in 2021 following the fall of Kabul and the revival of the Taliban regime. In previous years, he remained involved in various terrorist activities including IED blasts, targeted killing of Civilians and Security Forces, fire raids at installations and extortion in Bajaur. (With inputs from agencies)

Who was Abdul Manan, top TTP commander killed in Afghanistan by unknown men?

Nearly 900 people in Afghanistan were killed or wounded in the last 16 months by leftover munitions and mines in fields, as per the United Nations. Most of them were children. Inside South Asia looks at the brutal aspect of the aftermath of nearly four decades of war in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan's mines: The deadly remains of war

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