Key Points
- Separate entry routes, ticket categories, and stands have been arranged for Pakistani and Afghan fans.
- The decision follows past fan violence during the 2022 Sharjah match.
SHARJAH: Extra security steps have been taken at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium ahead of the T20 tri-series opener between Pakistan and Afghanistan, set to take place today (Friday), to ensure a safe and smooth experience for all fans.
To avoid crowd trouble similar to their fiery 2022 clash, organisers have introduced separate enclosures, entry and exit routes, and ticket categories for both sets of supporters. Blue tickets have been allocated to Afghan fans, while green tickets are allotted to Pakistani supporters. Separate stands and pavilions have also been marked to keep the crowds apart.
This decision follows previous incidents where fan clashes marred Pakistan’s thrilling one-wicket victory, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to protest to the ICC. While Sharjah police briefly detained several Afghan fans, no formal arrests were made. Similar precautions were also taken during their 2023 bilateral series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan appealed to fans to remain calm and enjoy the game peacefully. “Cricket brings people and nations together. It’s a game of joy, and I urge everyone to support their teams respectfully,” he said.
The match promises to be a close contest, with both teams evenly matched and pitch conditions expected to challenge both batsmen and bowlers. This tri-series serves as preparation for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which will also be held in the UAE. So far, Pakistan and Afghanistan have faced off seven times in T20 internationals, with Pakistan leading the rivalry 4–3.
Pakistan Squad: Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (Captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sufiyan Muqeem.
Afghanistan Squad: Rashid Khan (Captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Ishaq, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Noor Ahmad, Mujeebur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Farid Ahmad Malik and Fazalhaq Farooqi.
