AGP Executive Report

Cricket (IND vs AFG): India crushed Afghanistan in the one-off Test at New Chandigarh, declaring 564/8 and then bowling the visitors out to 113/5 at stumps on Day 2. Match turning point: Debutant left-arm spinner Manav Suthar starred with 3/21, while Prasidh Krishna added early breakthroughs and Rahmat Shah held on unbeaten on 43. Afghanistan spotlight: Mohammad Saleem Safi replied with a six-wicket haul (6/140) for Afghanistan, but it wasn’t enough as India’s lead grew to 451. UN & rights: UNAMA said the UN Security Council will hold a special meeting on Afghanistan on June 8, with renewed focus on Taliban restrictions on women and girls and concerns over short mandate renewals. Human rights in Herat: UNAMA also warned that women detained in Herat over Taliban dress rules raise serious rights concerns. EU diplomacy: The EU appointed Nicola Bellomo as Chargé d’Affaires to Afghanistan, keeping “engagement without recognition” as the policy line. Connectivity: Ariana Afghan Airlines launched daily Kabul–New Delhi passenger and cargo flights, boosting trade and travel links. Road safety: A road mishap in Mazar-i-Sharif injured eight travelers, some critically.

Red-ball cricket: India dominated Afghanistan on Day 1 of the one-off Test in New Chandigarh, posting 368/3 at stumps with KL Rahul’s 100 and Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 103, plus Sai Sudharsan’s 81 and Rishabh Pant’s 50. Sports venue & conditions: The match at the new PCA stadium drew only about 5,000 fans as extreme heat kept crowds away, but the pitch and pace helped India’s batters pile on runs. Afghan security & detention: The Taliban detained a former Afghan soldier, Ibrahim Safari, in Balkh’s Zari district, with his family still lacking details on his whereabouts. Trade & diplomacy: Iran’s consul in Nangarhar said a joint Afghan-Iranian products exhibition will be held in Jalalabad to boost business links. Humanitarian pressure: The UN’s WFP warned the Iran conflict is pushing millions toward hunger, including about 2.3 million in Afghanistan, as border closures and disruptions hit aid delivery. Aid delivery: WFP said fortified biscuits finally reached Afghanistan after routing through nine countries due to border closures. Earthquake alert: A 4.0 quake struck Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region; no immediate damage reports were available.

Cricket, India-Afghanistan Test: India crushed Afghanistan on Day 1 of the one-off Test in Mullanpur, finishing 368/3 with KL Rahul (100) and Shubman Gill (103* ) leading the charge; Rishabh Pant (50*) added momentum as Afghanistan’s bowlers struggled in the heat. Captain Milestone: Gill also became the 11th Indian to reach 1,000 Test runs as captain, doing it in 15 innings. Afghanistan Domestic & Security: Taliban authorities say nearly 2,000 people were arrested in one month amid reports of robberies, weapons smuggling, narcotics-linked cases, and other crimes. Humanitarian Watch: The UN’s WFP warns the Iran conflict is worsening global hunger, adding millions facing food insecurity, including about 2.3 million in Afghanistan. Local Development: A new water supply network in Logar was inaugurated, aiming to provide drinking water to 512 families. Sports, Talent Pipeline: India’s selectors also backed young spinners and debutants, including Manav Suthar making his Test debut against Afghanistan.

Food Security: The UN World Food Programme warns the Iran war and Hormuz disruptions are pushing millions toward acute hunger, adding 2.3 million people in Afghanistan to those struggling to meet basic food needs. UN Diplomacy: UNAMA’s acting head met the UAE ahead of the mission’s mandate renewal, with both sides stressing protection of women and girls’ rights and the need for a clear mandate. Forced Returns: UNHCR says more than 700,000 Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan since the start of 2026, with returnees facing shelter gaps and limited jobs. Kabul Weddings: 87 young couples in Kabul began married life through a mass wedding aimed at easing wedding costs and harmful traditions. Regional Connectivity: Uzbekistan and Afghanistan discussed transit plans at the Termez Dialogue, including progress on feasibility work for an Afghan-trans railway. Sports (Afghanistan vs India): India coach Gautam Gambhir backed Sai Sudharsan for No. 3 in the one-off Test against Afghanistan, saying he’ll get a “longer rope.”

Sports—India vs Afghanistan Test: India hosts Afghanistan in a one-off red-ball Test at New Chandigarh’s Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium starting June 6, with head coach Gautam Gambhir backing the ICC’s pink-ball trial to avoid bad-light disruption and saying teams should get a fair shot at results. Team News—No.3 focus: Gambhir says Sai Sudharsan will get a “longer rope” at No.3 as India tests a transitioning XI. Afghanistan Cricket—Need more Tests: Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi says Afghanistan must play more red-ball matches to build depth, noting Tests come only once or twice a year. Humanitarian—Hunger pressure in Afghanistan: The UN World Food Programme warns the Iran-linked Middle East conflict is pushing millions toward acute hunger, with Afghanistan among the hardest hit. UN—Staff death confirmed: The UN in Afghanistan confirmed the death of UNFPA staffer Freshta Emady, offering condolences but no details. Security/Policy—Germany deportation delayed: A planned German deportation flight to Afghanistan was cancelled after Taliban authorities refused to cooperate. Diplomacy—Russia repair deal: Russia says it will repair Afghanistan’s Soviet-era military hardware under a new agreement with Taliban officials.

Women’s Sports Breakthrough: Afghanistan’s women footballers can now play official matches after a FIFA rule change, opening the door to Women’s World Cup and Olympic qualification, with former captain Khalida Popal calling it a “historical moment” after years of Taliban-era restrictions. UXO Tragedy: Two children died in Paktia after finding an unexploded ordnance device in Spena Takhta, underscoring Afghanistan’s ongoing landmine and UXO danger. Afghan Cricket Focus: Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi says the team needs more Test exposure as India hosts the one-off Test at Mullanpur/New Chandigarh, while India’s camp weighs leadership and selection ahead of the match. Regional Sports Support: BCCI says it will help cricket development in Fiji and Maldives, noting past support that included Afghanistan as an ICC member. Humanitarian/Protection Pressure: Reports highlight forced displacement and aid strain across the region, with Afghanistan repeatedly flagged for high vulnerability.

Afghanistan–India Cricket: Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi says his team has gained Test experience since 2018, but still needs more red-ball matches to grow ahead of the one-off Test starting Saturday in New Chandigarh. India Team News: Kuldeep Yadav admits switching from IPL to red-ball is tough, but says he got time to practice and is focused on breakthroughs; assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate also confirmed Mohammed Siraj looks “absolutely fine” and hinted at India’s spin mix after Jadeja’s rest. Leadership & Form: Ten Doeschate said Rishabh Pant remains a key senior influence even without a formal title, with coaches urging him to adjust his game and match awareness. Security in Afghanistan: Afghan forces seized weapons and ammunition in Paktia’s Dand Patan, including Kalashnikov rifles and pistols, during an operation targeting smuggling routes. Afghan Diplomacy/Amnesty: IEA supreme leader Akhundzada says the 2021 general amnesty was meant to prevent revenge and restore stability, ordering fighters not to seek retribution. Regional Sports: Afghanistan’s Speenghar Region won the e& Regional List A Tournament, beating Amo Region by 84 runs in Nangarhar.

Afghan-Russian Security Ties: The Taliban has deepened military cooperation with Russia via a new deal, with analysts saying it may focus more on maintenance than air defense, amid strained relations and clashes with Pakistan. UN Security Council: Kyrgyzstan is set for a historic first seat on the UN Security Council, a move experts say could bring more attention to Afghanistan and regional stability. Afghan Refugees in Qatar/US Policy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says no Afghan refugees can enter the US under the current executive order after a National Guard attack, but the US is working with at least five countries to resettle stranded Afghans from Qatar in other safe locations. Kabul Jobs Pressure: Daily wage laborers in Kabul say unemployment and low pay are worsening, with WFP reporting access to wage work has fallen to nearly two days per week. Trade Fallout: Pakistan says border closures with Afghanistan since last year have cost it about $850 million, disrupting transit and exports. Women’s Education Impact: UNICEF warns that bans on girls’ secondary education are damaging Afghanistan’s future workforce, including shortages of health workers and teachers.

Cricket Build-Up: India begin red-ball grind for the one-off Test vs Afghanistan on June 6 in New Chandigarh, with Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna bowling hard in nets despite heat, while Harsh Dubey gets extra batting time and Auqib Nabi Dar is called to bowl in the nets after selection debate. Selection Fallout: Reports say Siraj’s availability is still under medical review, and Nabi’s Ranji-winning form (60 wickets) keeps fueling calls for a bigger role beyond backup. Humanitarian Update: OCHA says Iceland has contributed $402,000 to the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund as UN agencies warn of widening needs amid funding gaps. Women’s Rights Diplomacy: Spain’s Feminist Foreign Policy conference reiterated sustained support for Afghan women and condemned Taliban restrictions on public life. Refugee Resettlement: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers the administration does not want stranded Afghans in Qatar forced back to Afghanistan, and says talks are underway with other countries. Security/Returns: Pakistan’s Frontier Constabulary says 149 illegal Afghan nationals were arrested from Chaghai and deported back to Afghanistan. Eid Tourism: Afghanistan’s culture ministry reports nearly 4 million domestic trips during Eid al-Adha holidays, urging visitors to protect sites and cleanliness.

Afghan Women’s Sports: The Afghan women’s football team is back on the international stage after escaping the Taliban’s 2021 ban, with players rebuilding their careers in exile. Humanitarian Crisis: UN agencies warn Afghanistan faces severe aid gaps and worsening conditions, including rising risks of gender-based violence for tens of thousands of women and girls in the east. Refugees & Resettlement: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says more than 1,100 Afghans stranded in Qatar will be moved to third countries, as the U.S. seeks new host nations. UN Security Council: A new UN Security Council report highlights deep splits among major powers over how to engage Afghanistan and the Taliban, with the U.S. prioritizing security and detainees while Russia and China push for dialogue and unlinked aid. Taliban Economy: The Taliban has opened five new oil wells in Jawzjan’s Amu Darya basin, signaling continued push to expand production. Sports (India-Afghanistan): India’s cricket camp ramps up for the one-off Test in New Chandigarh with spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule and net bowlers including Auqib Nabi and Prince Yadav.

Cricket Focus: India has started final preparations for its one-off Test vs Afghanistan in New Chandigarh (June 6-10), bringing in seven net bowlers—Auqib Nabi, Prince Yadav, Gurjapneet Singh, Shivang Kumar, Saransh Jain, Zeeshan Ansari—while Sairaj Bahutule was appointed India’s spin-bowling coach ahead of the match. Human Rights & Women: UN Women warns that about 50,000 Afghan women and girls in conflict-hit eastern areas face rising gender-based violence as healthcare access deteriorates. Humanitarian Funding: The UN says only 16% of Afghanistan’s humanitarian appeal is funded, threatening life-saving aid. Security & Diplomacy: UN Security Council is set to review UNAMA’s mandate amid ongoing Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions and rights concerns, while Pakistan’s defense minister Khawaja Asif says Taliban “mixed signals” on TTP support are dangerous. Civil Society Pressure: Over 80 rights groups urge the EU not to host Taliban representatives in Brussels, warning it could normalize the regime.

Child Rights Under Fire: The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child condemned Afghanistan’s de facto authorities over Decree No.18 (2026), saying it legitimises child marriage and treats a girl’s silence after puberty as consent—calling it a grave, systematic breach of international law and urging an immediate repeal. Humanitarian Access: UN officials also warned that Taliban restrictions are pushing child marriage deeper into crisis, while OCHA reports mothers and newborns face barriers to life-saving services. UN Watch on UNAMA: The UN Security Council is set to meet on Afghanistan as UNAMA’s short mandate nears expiry, with a decision on renewal expected mid-June. Migration Pressure: Jan Egeland of the Norwegian Refugee Council warned that more than four million Afghans in Iran are among the most vulnerable, as returns rise but Afghanistan lacks capacity to absorb them. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Russia offered to restore Soviet-era military equipment held by the Taliban as part of a new defense cooperation push, signaling deeper military-technical ties. Tourism at Home: Kapisa reported over 100,000 visitors during Eid al-Adha, highlighting domestic travel to waterfalls and parks.

Humanitarian Crisis: WHO warns 3.7 million Afghan children under 5 face acute malnutrition in 2026, including about 95,000 likely to develop severe acute malnutrition, with preventable child deaths a major risk. Maternal Health: UN-linked reporting says Afghanistan has one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates, driven by limited access to skilled care and shortages of female health workers. Aid Operations: OCHA reports 309 humanitarian organizations active across Afghanistan in the first three months of 2026, operating in 401 districts, as agencies face funding pressure and rising needs. Road Safety & Returns: At least 22 Afghan returnees from Pakistan were killed and 36 injured after a truck overturned in Laghman; officials say the driver fell asleep. Food & Agriculture: Farmers in Herat report a sunn pest infestation damaging wheat harvests, blaming ineffective pesticides and lack of government support. Governance & Rights: Taliban issued a new decree giving the leader final say over opponents’ assets, raising further concerns for rights and due process.

UN Security Council Role: Kabul welcomed China taking the lead on Afghanistan consultations and drafting UN resolutions, with the Islamic Emirate saying Beijing understands the region and can review issues impartially. Regional Diplomacy: Iran and Afghanistan discussed expanding economic cooperation, including work visas, border trade, and passenger transport links. Health & Trade: Russia’s Pharmasyntez says it will start medicine exports to Afghanistan this summer after an agreement with the Ministry of Public Health. Cross-Border Tensions: Afghanistan’s deputy spokesperson says dialogue with Pakistan remains open, rejects claims that Afghan soil is used against other countries, and calls TTP a Pakistan internal matter. Humanitarian Shock: A truck carrying Afghan returnees from Pakistan crashed in Laghman, killing at least 22 (including 10 children) and injuring dozens; officials say the driver fell asleep. Security Measures: Afghanistan’s Interior Ministry announced a new procedure for firearm licenses aimed at tighter regulation and reducing gun ownership culture. Social Harm Allegations: Reports again spotlight “bacha bazi” and sexual abuse of boys in Afghanistan, despite Taliban claims of bans.

Road Safety Crisis: A truck carrying Afghan returnees from Pakistan crashed in Laghman, killing at least 22 people (including 10 children) and injuring about 36; officials say the driver fell asleep. Humanitarian Pressure: WFP warns Afghanistan’s hunger emergency is worsening as aid funding falls—17.4 million need urgent food help, with millions more at risk of malnutrition. Women’s Rights & Education: WHO marks World No Tobacco Day in Afghanistan, while separate reports highlight Taliban restrictions—an audio from a senior cleric says girls’ schooling is “forbidden,” and activists renew calls to reopen schools and universities. Security & Regional Fallout: Pakistan says 13 TTP members, including two Afghan nationals, were killed in a clearance operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Sports (Afghanistan A): Ruturaj Gaikwad replaces injured Riyan Parag in India A’s Sri Lanka tri-series starting June 9, with Afghanistan A included.

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 injuring dozens; later reports put the toll at 20–22 dead with 29–36 injured, as authorities cite poor roads, reckless driving, and weak enforcement. Humanitarian Pressure at Borders: The crash comes as Pakistan’s crackdown on undocumented migrants and wider expulsions push more families to travel back home in overcrowded trucks. Regional Engagement: An Afghan delegation joined Uzbekistan’s 65th Namangan International Flower Festival, aiming to showcase Afghan products and expand trade links with regional investors. Security and Diplomacy: Afghanistan’s defense minister said Kabul and Russia will begin practical work under a newly signed military-technical cooperation agreement, framed as support for repair and improvement of Russian-made equipment. Social Note: A South Africa group urged parents to keep children out of family disputes after a case where a father attacked his children, highlighting the long-term harm of domestic conflict.