ICC Intervenes As Thousands Of Ticketless Fans Create Chaos During Pak Vs Afghanistan

The International Cricket Council had to step in and ask the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) to start an investigation after thousands of ticketless fans created havoc during the T20 World Cup 2021 match between Pakistan and Afghanistan at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday.

According to the statement released by the global cricket body, a total of 16,000 tickets were sold ahead of the clash between the two big teams in the shortest format of the game. However, thousands of fans, who did not have access to the ground, tried to forcefully enter the premises while pushing over at least one external barrier.

The ICC has asked Emirates Cricket Board to investigate on crowd behaviour during Pakistan and Afghanistan game. (Reported by ANI).

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 30, 2021

“Dubai Police and security staff secured the stadium to ensure the safety of everyone inside and brought in significant additional resources to disperse the crowd and calm the situation,” the statement said. “At approximately 7pm, Dubai Police directed that all gates should remain closed and no further entry was permitted to maintain a safe and controlled environment inside the venue.”

“The ICC has asked the ECB to undertake a thorough investigation into tonight’s events to learn any lessons and will work closely with authorities to ensure there is no repeat of this situation in the future.”

It did not take long for the fans on social media to starting throwing shade at each other after the news of vandalism broke out:

Pakistan and it’s people are so disturbing. Everywhere they go create chaos.

Saala khoon mein hi atankwad hei.

— Am_Rich_Nokia (@Am_Rich_Nokia) October 30, 2021

whats there to investigate paki fans attacked adghans

— Pulkit (@csepulkit) October 30, 2021

Heheheh Becoming Bigger Rivalry than India Pakistan

— Rajan (@therajanr2j) October 30, 2021

Afghanistani crowd worst ever

— junaiz (@Junaiz_tweets) October 30, 2021

While the attempted break-in was already a health and safety hazard, given the global pandemic, one of the biggest problems caused by the chaos was that some of the fans who had purchased the tickets were unable to enter the stadium. The ICC had to issue a formal apology to these ticket-holders who were asked to contact their providers for an amicable solution.

The United Arab Emirates has a massive fan following for the game of cricket, especially when two Asian teams are competing against each other. 

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After incurring loss despite a hard-fought match against Babar Azam’s side, Afghan skipper Mohammad Nabi requested all the fans of the squad to purchase a ticket and come to watch their team perform legally. “For the Afghan fans, please buy a ticket and come to the stadium. Don’t repeat again. This is not good,” he said.