In anticipation of the high-stakes tri-nation T20I series featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sharjah authorities have announced strict security measures to prevent potential fan clashes during the Pakistan vs. Afghanistan matches. The decision comes in response to previous incidents of unruly behavior between supporters of the two nations.
To ensure a safe and peaceful environment, organizers will implement several key measures. Pakistani and Afghan fans will be allocated separate stands and entry points at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Ticket sales will also be managed based on nationality, with designated seating areas enforced throughout the tournament. This segregation aims to minimize interaction between rival fans and reduce the risk of confrontations.
The tri-nation series is scheduled to be held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium from August 29 to September 7. Pakistan will begin their campaign against Afghanistan on August 29. Each team will play the other twice, with the top two sides progressing to the final on September 7.
The decision to implement these security measures follows previous incidents of crowd disturbances during matches between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Most notably, during the 2022 Asia Cup clash in Sharjah, Afghan fans attacked Pakistani supporters after Naseem Shah's winning sixes. Similar episodes were reported at the 2019 World Cup match in Leeds. These incidents have prompted authorities to take proactive steps to prevent any recurrence of violence or unrest.
Sharjah officials expect a capacity crowd at the 16,000-seat venue. The UAE has a sizable population of expatriates from both Afghanistan and Pakistan, contributing to the high demand for tickets. Organizers have confirmed that fans will only be seated with people of their specific nationality during the tournament, further reinforcing the segregation policy. A stadium official noted that Afghan fans tend to become emotional during intense matches, which is a factor in the decision to implement separate seating.
The tri-series was initially planned as a bilateral affair between Pakistan and Afghanistan. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) proposed expanding it into a tri-nation event to provide all three teams with valuable match practice ahead of the ACC Men's T20 Asia Cup, which commences on September 9 in the UAE.
The security measures implemented by Sharjah authorities reflect a broader effort to maintain order and ensure the safety of all fans attending the tri-nation series. By separating fans and enforcing strict protocols, organizers hope to create a positive and enjoyable atmosphere for all.
