Enhanced Security for Pakistan-Afghanistan T20 Tri-Series Opener in Sharjah

SHARJAH: Stricter security protocols are in place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, featuring segregated zones and separate entry and exit points for Pakistani and Afghan fans ahead of Friday’s T20 tri-series inaugural match.

The tri-series begins today, with the ‘Men in Green’ facing the Afghan Atalans in the opening contest.

To promote effective crowd control, organizers have designated specific routes and ticket types for both sets of fans. Afghan supporters will receive blue tickets, while Pakistani fans will be given green tickets. Distinct stands and pavilions have also been allocated.

This action follows previous disturbances during the intense Pakistan-Afghanistan match in Sharjah in 2022, where clashes among fans overshadowed Pakistan’s narrow one-wicket win.

At that time, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) filed an official complaint with the ICC. Sharjah law enforcement detained numerous Afghanistan supporters, although no formal charges were filed.

Comparable preventative measures were implemented during their bilateral series in the UAE in 2023.

Leading up to the tri-series, Afghanistan’s captain, Rashid Khan, made a special request to the fans, encouraging them to maintain order and respect the game’s principles.

Rashid stated, “My message to everyone attending the stadium is that cricket promotes unity.”

“It unites individuals and countries, conveying a message of peace. This sport is centered around enjoyment—we play to amuse the fans. I implore everyone to attend, support their teams with respect, and relish every moment of the game,” he added.

Spectators in Sharjah are anticipating a fierce competition between the two teams, with the pitch conditions expected to challenge both batsmen and bowlers.

In other developments, preparations for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which will also be held in the UAE, have been completed.

Historically, Pakistan and Afghanistan have competed in seven T20Is, with Pakistan winning four and Afghanistan winning three.

Pakistan squad: Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (C), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem.

Afghanistan squad: Rashid Khan (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Ishaq, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Farid Ahmad Malik, Fazalhaq Farooqi.