Separate stands planned for Pak-Afghan fans at Sharjah stadium

Webdesk: The Sharjah Cricket Stadium has put in place a fresh strategy to avoid any crowd trouble during the upcoming tri-nation T20 series, especially during the high-pressure games between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

To help manage supporters and reduce the chance of clashes, the organisers will set up separate entry points and enclosures for Pakistani and Afghan fans.

The move comes in response to past incidents of fan unrest during matches involving the two teams.

According to people familiar with the matter, the plan will be put into action during the series, with security and seating arrangements carefully managed.

Ticket sales will also be monitored and distributed based on nationality, with fans being seated in their assigned sections throughout the tournament.

A stadium official said the decision was made because “Afghan fans tend to become emotional” during close or intense matches. “To ensure safety, we’re planning to seat fans in separate sections,” the official added.

The step has been taken following several heated incidents involving the two sets of fans. One such episode occurred during the Asia Cup in Sharjah, where tensions flared after Pakistan secured a last-over win.

Similar scenes were also reported during the 2019 World Cup match between the two sides in Leeds.

With the tri-nation series fast approaching, Sharjah authorities are determined to ensure a peaceful environment in the stadium. The tournament will see Pakistan, Afghanistan, and hosts the United Arab Emirates (UAE) competing from August 29 to September 7.

The first match, a highly anticipated encounter between Pakistan and Afghanistan, is scheduled for Friday, August 29, at 7:00 PM local time. Both teams will play each other twice, with the top two sides advancing to the final on September 7.

Organisers are expecting a full house, with the 16,000-seat stadium likely to be packed with both Pakistani and Afghan supporters.

The aim is to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all fans attending the matches.

It’s worth noting that Pakistan and Afghanistan have faced off in seven T20 Internationals so far, with Pakistan winning four and Afghanistan claiming three victories.

The series was initially planned as a bilateral event, but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) suggested making it a tri-nation tournament to help all three sides prepare for the upcoming ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup, which will be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28.

Tri-nation T20I series schedule

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