The International Cricket Council (ICC) has asked the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) to “undertake a thorough investigation” after thousands of ticketless fans tried to storm the Dubai stadium for Afghanistan’s clash against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup. More than 16,000 tickets had been issued for yesterday’s game between Pakistan and Afghanistan. However, thousands of ticketless fans traveled to the venue and then attempted to force entry into the stadium.
After losing the game by five wickets against Pakistan, Afghanistan skipper, Mohmmad Nabi said, “For the Afghan fans, please buy a ticket and come to the stadium. Don’t repeat this again. This is not good.”
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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. At approximately 7 pm, Dubai Police directed that all gates should remain closed and none of the fans were 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.
The International Cricket Council apologized to ticket holders who failed to enter the stadium where the final of the tournament is also scheduled to be played.
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The ICC, BCCI, and ECB issued an apology to all the fans who had valid tickets but were not allowed inside the Dubai stadium on Friday and request they contact the ticket provider. Friday’s events brought back memories of the 2019 50-over World Cup clash between the two teams in Leeds which was scarred by fighting and a pitch invasion.
https://twitter.com/abhishekM249/status/1454330640036335622?s=20
What happened bro?? Any bomb 💣 blast by shahid afridi?
— Naam me kya rakha hai (@Saketh_141) October 30, 2021
Have games without crowd simple solution.
— 3rd Umpire (@drsoperator) October 30, 2021
https://twitter.com/loyalSachfan/status/1454327200455401474?s=20
