Ahead of next month’s high-stakes Tri-Nation cricket series, the Sharjah Stadium administration has devised a new strategy to prevent crowd trouble during matches, especially those featuring Pakistan and Afghanistan, sources said.
According to insiders, new regulations are expected to be enforced during the series, including separate entry points and enclosures for Pakistani and Afghan fans. The decision comes in light of repeated clashes between supporters of both nations in past encounters.
“Afghan fans tend to become emotional during intense matches,” a stadium official said. “To ensure safety, we’re planning to seat fans in separate sections.”
Tensions between supporters have flared in previous matches, including incidents during the Asia Cup in Sharjah when Afghan fans clashed with Pakistani spectators following a dramatic win by Pakistan’s Naseem Shah. Similar episodes were reported at the 2019 World Cup match in Leeds.
The much-anticipated Pakistan-Afghanistan matches in the Tri-Nation Series are scheduled for August 29 and September 2. With large crowds expected, the stadium management aims to maintain order and enhance security.
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