AGP Executive Report

Afghanistan Cricket: India crushed Afghanistan in the one-off Test at New Chandigarh, declaring on 564/8 with centuries from Shubman Gill (126) and KL Rahul (100) plus Washington Sundar’s 52*; Afghanistan ended Day 2 at 28/1 at tea, trailing by 536, after debutant Manav Suthar struck early and Mohammed Saleem Safi replied with 6/140. DRS & Tactics: Afghanistan’s missed reviews and a costly DRS call on Siraj became a major talking point as India built momentum. Kabul Begging Crackdown: Afghan police say they rounded up more than 90,000 beggars in Kabul over four years, separating “fake” and organized beggars from those genuinely in need. Power & Regional Trade: Work on the CASA-1000 transmission project is progressing in three phases, expected to bring Afghanistan about $60m annually in transit revenue. Humanitarian Pressure: WFP warns hunger is worsening, with Afghanistan facing acute food insecurity for millions amid funding gaps and rising costs. Courts & Justice: Afghanistan’s Supreme Court says courts handled 70,376 cases and executed 37,995 legal documents in Jan–Mar 2026. Environment: Communities across Afghanistan are expanding tree planting and forest restoration, aiming to plant 200 million trees by 2030.

India-Afghanistan Test: India dominated Day 1 in New Chandigarh, posting 368/3 at stumps as KL Rahul made 100 and Shubman Gill hit 103, with Rishabh Pant 50*; Afghanistan’s Saleem Safi and Ziaur Rahman Sharifi took wickets, but missed chances and a failed DRS appeal left India in control. ODI squad shake-up: Virat Kohli is ruled out of the Afghanistan ODIs with a hamstring injury; Yashasvi Jaiswal is named replacement, while Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya await fitness clearance. Humanitarian logistics: WFP says 400 tons of fortified biscuits finally reached Afghanistan after detours caused by the Afghanistan–Pakistan border closure and the Strait of Hormuz disruption, with delivery via Torghundi and distribution planned for 172,000 schoolchildren. UN diplomacy: The UN Security Council will hold its quarterly open briefing on Afghanistan on June 8, with UNAMA and humanitarian officials expected to brief members. Regional engagement: Afghanistan’s Islamic Emirate officials again urged participation in all regional meetings, arguing it’s needed for Afghanistan’s interests in economic and security decisions.

Afghanistan Education: Taliban-run Kankor university entrance exams continue in Kabul, but girls are barred from participating for a fourth straight year, keeping higher education out of reach for thousands. Afghanistan Returns: More than 3,500 Afghan refugees returned home in one day, with most coming back from Pakistan. Afghanistan Cricket: Afghanistan coach Richard Pybus says the India one-off Test in New Chandigarh will hinge on how batters handle spin; Rashid Khan’s red-ball availability is uncertain due to a long-standing back issue. India-Afghanistan Test: India ended Day 1 on 209/2 at tea against Afghanistan, powered by KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan’s 139-run stand. India ODI Changes: Yashasvi Jaiswal replaces injured Virat Kohli for the Afghanistan ODI series starting June 13, while Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya await fitness clearance. Regional Security: Pakistan and Russia signed agreements on illegal migration and drug trafficking at an SCO meeting in Bishkek, as Pakistan continues deportations of Afghan asylum seekers.

US Courts vs Trump Immigration Freeze: A federal judge in Rhode Island struck down Trump-era USCIS curbs that paused asylum, work permits, green cards, and citizenship for people from 39 countries, calling the policy unlawful and leaving thousands in “indeterminate legal limbo,” including applicants from Afghanistan. Kabul Power Strain: Residents in Kabul report worsening electricity outages, with some getting only a few hours of power daily, raising fears for daily life and local economic activity. Afghanistan Cricket Spotlight: India’s one-off Test vs Afghanistan in New Chandigarh begins June 6, with captain Shubman Gill returning after injury concerns and India debating spin options; meanwhile, India coach Gautam Gambhir backs a red-to-pink ball switch to avoid bad-light disruption. Sports League Rules: ILT20 says franchises must recruit minimum players from Afghanistan (and one from Ireland), a move teams criticized as mandatory. Regional Security/Trade: Reports say Russia and Afghanistan are discussing repair and restoration of Soviet-era military hardware, while Afghan connectivity and transit cooperation talks continue.

India-Afghanistan Test build-up: Ahead of the one-off match in Mullanpur, India coach Gautam Gambhir backed a longer run for Sai Sudharsan at No.3 and said the ICC’s trial of switching from red to pink ball in bad light is a “proactive” way to protect results. Cricket tactics: Afghanistan coach Richard Pybus expects spin to decide the game and confirmed Rashid Khan will miss it due to injury/workload. WTC hopes: Gambhir also said India remains optimistic about reaching the World Test Championship final despite the Afghanistan Test being outside the WTC cycle. Humanitarian pressure in Afghanistan: The WFP warned that Strait of Hormuz disruptions are driving up food, fuel and transport costs, pushing millions closer to hunger, with Afghanistan among the hardest hit. Water crisis: UNAMA said more than half of Afghanistan’s population is affected by drought and water scarcity, threatening livelihoods and stability. Women’s rights and UNAMA: The UAE urged protection of women and girls in Afghanistan ahead of UNAMA mandate renewal.

Afghan Women’s Education Crackdown: A new report says Afghan women academics are struggling to cope after the Taliban ban on education and employment, reversing gains made after 2001 and leaving most female scholars trapped inside the country. Kabul Exams Update: The Kankor exam for 12th-grade graduates is set to run in Kabul on June 4–5, as Afghanistan continues to face education restrictions and access barriers. Humanitarian Pressure: UNICEF and other UN-linked updates highlight ongoing life-saving needs in Afghanistan, with funding shortfalls threatening healthcare and child wellbeing. Security and Rights: An Afghan woman has been sentenced to five years in prison in Iran over protest participation, according to a human rights group, underscoring the wider regional crackdown on dissent. Afghanistan in International Sports: Afghanistan’s senior team drew Bangladesh 0-0 in the Maldives, while cricket coverage continues to focus on Afghanistan’s upcoming Test against India in New Chandigarh.

India-Afghanistan Cricket: Team India begins a one-off Test on June 6 in New Chandigarh, with the playing XI still in flux as Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar compete for spots and captain Shubman Gill’s red-ball plans come under scrutiny. ODI Fitness Watch: Virat Kohli has been ruled out of the three-match ODI series vs Afghanistan due to a hamstring injury, while Rohit Sharma’s availability remains uncertain; assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate says medical assessments will decide the final squad. Afghanistan Captaincy Spotlight: Hashmatullah Shahidi is set to carry Afghanistan’s red-ball hopes in the Test, especially with Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi absent. Transit & Trade: Afghanistan and Uzbekistan are pushing to strengthen transit and trade links, focusing on logistics and easing hurdles for Afghan exporters. Security & Claims: Taliban FM Amir Khan Muttaqi insists no armed opposition groups operate in Afghanistan, despite repeated UN reports of armed activity. Human Impact: UNDP warns climate shocks are worsening in Afghanistan, with floods and droughts threatening livelihoods. Road Safety: A Kabul-bound crash in Wardak killed three and injured seven.

Education & Scholarships: Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, with Qatar’s QFFD, marked the June 2 graduation of 74 Afghan students backed by the Qatar Scholarship for Afghans project, placing them across 27 U.S. host institutions to continue interrupted studies. Jobs in Kabul: Kabul daily wage laborers say work is scarce and pay is too low, with unemployment worsening since Eid; WFP also warns labor access has fallen to about two days a week. Refugees & U.S. Policy: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said no Afghan refugees can enter the U.S. under the current executive order after a National Guard attack, but the U.S. is seeking other countries to resettle stranded Afghans in Qatar. Regional Trade Pressure: Pakistan says border closures and tensions with Afghanistan have cost it about $850 million, leaving thousands of containers stranded and disrupting fruit and vegetable markets. Tourism Etiquette in Nuristan: Residents in Nuristan ask tourists to respect local culture, avoid damaging farmland, and keep recreational areas clean. UNICEF & Child Health: UNICEF says it supports early childhood development and health-worker training, as WHO reports millions of Afghan children face acute malnutrition.

Cricket Focus: India has kicked off red-ball preparations for the one-off Test vs Afghanistan, starting June 6 at the Maharaja Singh PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh, with Shubman Gill leading and KL Rahul as Test vice-captain; head coach Gautam Gambhir is overseeing nets that include Kuldeep Yadav, Yashasvi Jaiswal and others, while new spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule joins the camp. Food Security: The WFP warns the Middle East crisis could push up to 2.3 million more people in Afghanistan into food insecurity, on top of 13.8 million already struggling, as fuel prices, trade disruptions and aid pressure bite. Humanitarian Funding: Iceland has donated about $402,000 to the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund, as UN agencies say only around 16% of the 2026 humanitarian appeal is funded. Safety & Disasters: A teenager was seriously injured by an unexploded device in Ghazni, and two people drowned in Khost. Migration & Borders: Pakistan’s Frontier Constabulary says it arrested 149 illegal Afghan nationals in Chaghai, including women and children, after smuggling attempts toward Turkey/Iran and onward to Europe. Women’s Rights: Spain’s foreign minister pledged continued support for Afghan women, saying their voices will always be heard despite Taliban efforts to silence them.

Cricket—India-Afghanistan Test build-up: India named Sairaj Bahutule as spin-bowling coach and added Auqib Nabi and Prince Yadav among net bowlers for the one-off Test starting June 6 in New Chandigarh, with selectors noting Nabi’s Ranji success but sticking with a smaller seam group. UN Security Council—Taliban wording dispute: A new Security Council report says members are split on how to describe the Taliban in UN documents, with the US objecting to “de facto authorities” while China and Russia defend it, ahead of a UNAMA mandate renewal vote. Humanitarian—women and displacement: UN Women reports over 100,000 displaced in eastern Afghanistan after border clashes, and warns 50,000 women and girls face rising gender-based violence risks. Daily life in Kabul—water shortage: Kabul residents say drinking water shortages are forcing long queues and higher costs as families buy water from tankers. Sports—Afghan women’s football returns: After years of Taliban bans, the Afghan women’s team is back on the international stage following eligibility for competition. Politics—TTP warning: Pakistan’s Khawaja Asif says Taliban “mixed signals” on TTP attacks are only in the media, with support “intact.” Crime—Italy migrant deaths: Italian police arrested two Pakistani nationals over the burning deaths of four migrant farmworkers, including three Afghans, in Calabria.

Child Marriage Crackdown: The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child condemned a Taliban decree that treats a girl’s silence as consent to marriage, calling it a “grave and systematic” rights violation. Humanitarian Funding Pressure: OCHA says Afghanistan’s 2026 humanitarian appeal is only 16% funded, with just $269m of $1.71b secured, warning life-saving aid could be cut. Counter-Narcotics Push: Afghan forces dismantled clandestine drug-processing labs and burned 3,400 kg of illicit narcotics in Ghor and Uruzgan. Cross-Border Security Tensions: Pakistan’s defense minister warned that trusting Taliban assurances on TTP is “dangerous,” saying commitments must be public and verifiable. Water Access: Three new water supply networks were inaugurated in Nangarhar’s Shirzad district, providing clean water to 850 families. Earthquake Alerts: A 5.3 quake in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush was felt across Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with no immediate damage reported. Sports & Diplomacy Through Cricket: India added net bowlers including Auqib Nabi and Prince Yadav ahead of a one-off Test vs Afghanistan, while reports say Afghanistan will host India’s September T20I series in New Delhi. Women’s Football Comeback: After years in exile and Taliban bans, the Afghan women’s soccer team has regained eligibility for international competition and is set to play in New Zealand.

UN Rights Watch: The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child condemned Afghanistan’s de facto authorities over a new decree that legitimizes child marriage and treats a girl’s silence as consent, calling it a grave violation. Child Protection Clash: Afghanistan’s Ministry of Vice and Virtue rejected UN claims of rising child marriages, saying the reports are propaganda and insisting rights are protected. Legal System Update: The Islamic Emirate published a law on assessing movable and immovable properties of absent persons, setting rules for preservation and restitution under a Supreme Court-linked directorate. UNAMA Decision Looms: The UN Security Council will hold meetings on Afghanistan next week and decide on extending UNAMA’s mandate on June 16, after a short three-month renewal. Humanitarian Pressure: UN and aid groups warn Afghan migrants in Iran face extreme vulnerability amid conflict and returns, while UN reporting highlights barriers to life-saving services for mothers and newborns. Regional Security Tensions: Pakistan’s defense minister urged Islamabad not to trust “mixed signals” from Taliban leaders on TTP support, saying enforcement on the ground has not changed. Afghanistan-Russia Ties: Russia offered to repair Soviet-era military hardware held by the Taliban, as trade between Afghanistan and Russia nearly doubled in 1404.

Humanitarian Returns: Uzbekistan says it has reintegrated 530+ women and children returned from conflict zones through its Mehr operations, with children placed back into regular schools and given legal documents. Afghan Migration Safety: A truck crash in eastern Afghanistan killed at least 22 returning refugees (including children), renewing calls for safer roads and better transport oversight. Regional Security Diplomacy: Russia signed a military-technical cooperation pact with the Taliban as India’s NSA Ajit Doval met officials in Moscow, raising fresh concerns for Pakistan about a shifting security balance. UN Poverty Warning: UN chief António Guterres warns that about 800 million people remain in extreme poverty, with conflicts, climate shocks, inequality and debt worsening conditions. Counter-Narcotics: Afghan authorities report seizing 199 kg of hashish in Balkh and arresting seven smugglers, alongside poppy eradication efforts. Public Health/Crime: Afghan police say they seized a cache of hashish and detained smugglers, while separate reporting highlights ongoing risks to civilians and vulnerable groups. Sports (Afghanistan Focus): India’s one-off Test vs Afghanistan in Mullanpur is set, with squads announced and ticketing details shared.

Deadly Road Crash in Laghman: A truck carrying Afghan returnees from Pakistan overturned on the Kabul–Nangarhar highway in Laghman province, killing at least 22 people, including 10 children and five women, and injuring 36 others; officials say the driver fell asleep. Taliban Security and Social Controls: In Ghazni, Taliban virtue officers confiscated music devices, tambourines and games from youth in Andar district, continuing raids on public entertainment. Firearms Licensing Overhaul: Afghanistan’s Interior Ministry says firearm licenses will now be issued under a new procedure with strict criteria, aiming to curb weapon distribution and misuse. Kabul–Islamabad Dialogue: A Taliban deputy spokesperson says talks with Pakistan remain open, but rejects Islamabad’s demands and denies Afghan soil is used for attacks. Women’s Rights Pressure: In Kabul, a Taliban cleric says girls’ schooling is “forbidden,” limiting education to religious topics; separate protests in Norway condemn Taliban recognition of child marriage. Humanitarian and Basic Services: UNDP reports rural electricity support is improving education in Laghman, where a powered school serves 250 students, including 96 girls.

Russia-Afghanistan Defense Ties: Russia and the Taliban-led government signed a military and technical cooperation agreement in Moscow, with Kabul’s defense minister saying it’s mainly about maintaining and upgrading Russian-made equipment. Eid Security Claim: Afghanistan’s Interior Ministry says Eid al-Adha passed without security incidents, citing nationwide patrols and “successful” measures. Road Tragedy: In Laghman, a truck carrying Afghan refugees returning from Pakistan overturned on the Kabul–Jalalabad highway; at least 22 died, including 10 children, and about 36 were injured, with reports blaming the driver falling asleep. Women Under Taliban: A new report describes Afghanistan’s slide into harsh gender restrictions, pointing to a Taliban family law implemented May 17, 2026, and wider limits on education and public life. Dutch Asylum Shift: The Netherlands says most Afghan women and girls will be eligible for asylum residence permits under revised policy, citing worsening conditions under Taliban rule. Health Push: UNICEF says the Gates Foundation backs routine vaccination and polio eradication, as Afghanistan continues polio vaccination campaigns. UK War-Crimes Probe: A UK inquiry hears claims that alleged SAS war-crime allegations in Afghanistan were not referred to military police over troop morale and internal sensitivities.

Road Safety Crisis: A truck carrying Afghan families returning from Pakistan overturned on the Kabul–Jalalabad highway in Laghman province, killing at least 18 people including 10 children and five women, with dozens injured; officials cite reckless driving and warn that poor roads and weak enforcement keep crashes deadly. Humanitarian Protection: The Netherlands says it will grant asylum to most Afghan women and girls, citing worsening Taliban restrictions and a new assessment of conditions since 2023. Security & Diplomacy: Pakistan’s foreign minister raised concerns with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio about militant groups using Afghan territory, while Washington and Islamabad also reaffirmed counterterrorism and regional stability cooperation. Media & Rights: An Afghan journalist was reportedly arrested by Pakistani police on the road to Islamabad, with his whereabouts unclear. Sports & Youth: Afghanistan is set to be represented in upcoming regional taekwondo and cricket-related events, including plans for ITF Taekwondo championships in Kabul and Afghanistan A featuring in a Sri Lanka tri-series.