Probe ordered as Afghan-Pakistan game gatecrashed

KABUL (Pajhwok): Thousands of fans without tickets fans forced their way into the stadium during the T20 World Cup match between Pakistan and Afghanistan last night.

Dubai police swung into action to keep the situation spinning out of control, with ICC asking the Emirates Cricket Board to probe the incident.

In a statement, ICC said more than 16,000 tickets had been issued for the overnight match. However, thousands of ticketless fans gatecrashed into the stadium.

The rowdy fans pushed down barriers outside the stadium’s main gates, according to The Indian Express, which reported some ticket holders complained that they could not get in.

During a Pakistan-Afghanistan match in the 2019 ODI World Cup in England, unruly supporters of the two sides invaded the pitch and traded blows.

On Friday night, police directed that all gates should stay shut and no further entry be permitted, the ICC statement added.

ICC, BCCI and ECB apologised to ticket-holding fans who were unable to enter the stadium. They were told to contact the ticket provider.

Late pinch hitting by Asif Ali saw Pakistan romp home with five wickets in hand and a full over to spare at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

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