SOCIETY — May 13, 2026
Taliban Convert Helmand Cricket Stadium into Eidgah Mosque
A cricket stadium in Lashkar Gah, Helmand, is being converted into an Eidgah mosque following an order from Hibatullah Akhundzada. Local athletes have expressed concern over the loss of the recreational facility.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Afghanistan International — 2 min read
Hibatullah Akhundzada has ordered the conversion of a cricket stadium in the Safian area of Lashkar Gah, Helmand, into an Eidgah mosque. The foundation stone for the mosque was laid during a visit by Akhundzada on 18 Thor.
The facility, which was officially managed by the Cricket Board, has been placed under the jurisdiction of the Department of Hajj and Endowments. Athletes were ordered to remove all sports equipment from the field and the associated academy.
The stadium was originally constructed in 1396 (Sagittarius) at a cost of 34 million Afghanis. It occupies 20 jeribs of land and was funded through the budget of the Ministry of Counter-Narcotics.
Local athletes have expressed distress over the decision, noting that the stadium was their only remaining recreational outlet in the area. The Taliban have not officially commented on the conversion.
Read the original reporting at Afghanistan International →
Reliability assessment
The report provides highly specific, checkable details, including the date of the leader's visit (18 Thor), the exact location (Safian area, Lashkar Gah), the original construction cost (34 million Afghanis), and the specific land size (20 jeribs). It attributes the information to multiple sources, including players and the Helmand Cricket Administration.
The source language mixes facts with framing or advocacy wording. Afghanistan International: "last hope for this sport in Helmand has vanished" and "accuse the Afghanistan Cricket Board of indifference" frame the event through the lens of loss and negligence.
Across the newsrooms
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Afghanistan International
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Society — Helmand, Hibatullah Akhundzada, Lashkar Gah, Cricket, Eidgah Mosque
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