Girls in Charbagh tehsil of Swat have been barred from playing cricket in the locality’s stadium by residents and clerics on the pretext that it is considered immodest and inappropriate for women to participate in sports.

A cricket match had been arranged for girls from the Babuzai and Kabal tehsils of Swat at the Arena Cricket Ground Complex on Sunday. However, several clerics from nearby mosques and a group of elders reached the stadium and stopped them from playing.

Charbagh Assistant Commissioner Muhammad Yar Khan, Charbagh tehsil Chairman Ihsanullah Kaki, scholars and match coach Ayaz Naik held talks in view of the current situation and the women’s match was cancelled.

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Kaki said the girls were barred from playing due to security reasons. “The security conditions in the area are currently unstable as armed individuals are often spotted at various locations.”

He said the match would have been arranged in a ground with boundary walls if they had been informed earlier.