Rashid calls for calm between Afghanistan-Pakistan fans ahead of tri-series opener

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan urged fans to avoid a repeat of the ugly scenes that marred Pakistan and Afghanistan's clash in Sharjah in 2022, saying that cricket brought "people and nations together". Sharjah will host the opening game of the tri-series between the two sides.

The end of the see-sawing game, which Pakistan won by one wicket in the final over, was followed by clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan supporters in the stands, leading to the PCB writing to the ICC in protest, with then-PCB chairman Ramiz Raja calling it "hooliganism". Several Afghanistan fans were detained by the Sharjah police following the incident. However, no arrests were made.

Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have politically soured further since. But this time around, there is heightened awareness about the potential for flashpoints. There are separate sections at the stadium for Pakistan and Afghanistan supporters, and greater alertness to nip potential crowd trouble in the bud.

It is, however, not the first time supporters of the sides will be separated in the general stands; that was also the case in 2023 when they played a bilateral series against each other. There are sizeable diaspora populations of both nations in the UAE, particularly Sharjah, and fixtures between the two sides have been historically well attended in the country.

"[My] message to everyone who comes and watches the games in the stadium is that cricket brings unity," Rashid said. "It brings people and nations together. It sends a peaceful message. This game is all about enjoyment. We play this game to enjoy ourselves and give entertainment to the crowd and the fans. It's just a game of cricket. I ask people to come, enjoy themselves, support their respective teams and enjoy every moment of the game."

Rashid also believed the format, as well as the short nature of the tri-series, meant assigning a favourites tag to any side was difficult. "No team is favourite, especially in T20Is. You have to play good cricket. One or two players can totally change the game. Everyone will be trying to deliver their best performances."

Pakistan play back to back games, taking on UAE on Saturday following their contest against Afghanistan on Friday. The final, after two rounds of fixtures, is on 7 September.