India's strong performance in the one-off Test against Afghanistan is marred by missed opportunities for the latter.

UN Women has warned Afghanistan’s new decree could further undermine the rights and safety of women and girls.

Russia and Afghanistan's Taliban government reportedly signed a military cooperation pact, solidifying Moscow's growing alliance in Central Asia.

Under the Islamic fundamentalist group’s rule, the economy has floundered, malnutrition has soared, and more than half a million jobs have been lost. Most women and girls over 12 have been banned from working and attending school.

Afghanistan fast bowler Mohammad Saleem picked up his maiden six-wicket test ​haul as India declared their ‌first innings at 564-8 before tea on the second day of the one-off ​test on Sunday.

Months after Pakistan declared “open war” on Afghanistan, neither side appears ready to back down, despite China’s efforts to mediate.

India's upcoming Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh, while outside the WTC cycle, serves as crucial preparation. The Shubman Gill-led side will use the match to reconnect with red-ball cricket and fine-tune strategies before a demanding WTC schedule.

A relative calm has set in along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, following heavy violence in recent months from both sides. The fighting is rooted in Pakistan’s contention that the regime is sheltering Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants who carry out attacks in Pakistan.