Rashid Khan urges supporters to remain calm ahead Afghanistan-Pakistan clash
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan has urged fans in the stadium to remain calm and enjoy the cricket ahead his team's tri-series opener against Pakistan in Sharjah.
Pakistan and Afghanistan shaking handsFans clashed in the stands when the teams met in Sharjah in 2022, with then-PCB chairman Ramiz Raja describing the ugly scenes as "hooliganism".
Several Afghanistan fans were detained by the Sharjah police following the incident but no arrests were made.
There are sizeable diaspora populations of both nations in Sharjah, and fixtures between the two sides have been historically well attended in the United Arab Emirates.
There is heightened awareness about the potential for flashpoints, with separate sections at the stadium for Pakistan and Afghanistan supporters.
Rashid said: "[My] message to everyone who comes and watches the games in the stadium is that cricket brings unity. 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."
Pakistan play back to back games in the tri-series, taking on UAE on Saturday following their contest against Afghanistan on Friday. The final, after two rounds of fixtures, is on 7 September.