There are strict security measures in place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Pakistan and Afghanistan fans will have their own separate areas and specific entry and departure ways for the T20 tri-series opener on Friday.
Today is the start of the tri-series, and the first game is between the Men in Green and the Afghan Atalans. Organisers have set up different pathways and ticket types for both groups of fans to make sure that crowd control goes smoothly. Afghan fans will get blue tickets while Pakistani fans will get green tickets. There are also separate stands and pavilions.
The move comes after there was turbulence with the crowd during the high-stakes Pakistan-Afghanistan match in Sharjah in 2022, when fights between fans marred Pakistan’s stunning one-wicket win.
At the time, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) filed a complaint with the ICC, and Sharjah police arrested a few Afghanistan fans, but no one was charged.
They also used similar safety measures during their 2023 bilateral series in the UAE.
Before the tri-series, Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan made a particular appeal to fans, asking them to be disciplined and embrace the spirit of the game.
Rashid remarked, “My message to everyone who comes to the stadium is that cricket brings people together.”
“It brings people and countries together and sends a message of peace.” We play this game to entertain the spectators; it’s all about having fun. He went on to say, “I urge everyone to come, support their teams in a respectful way, and enjoy every moment of the match.”
Fans in Sharjah are looking forward to a tough game between the two teams, with the wicket likely to be tough for both batsmen and bowlers.
Meanwhile, everything is ready for the Asia Cup 2025, which will also be held in the UAE.
Pakistan and Afghanistan have played each other seven times in T20Is, with Pakistan winning four times and Afghanistan winning three times.
