PAK v AFG: ICC Apologises To Ticket Holders After Crowd Cause Chaos In Dubai, Promises 'Thorough Investigation'

16,000 tickets were issued for the high-octane Pakistan vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup match on Friday, but thousands of ticketless fans tried to enter the stadium, which created chaos.

New Delhi: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has directed the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) to undertake a thorough investigation after ticketless crowd outside the Dubai International Stadium caused disturbance during the Group-2 match of the T20 World Cup Super 12 stage between Afghanistan and Pakistan. As per reports, 16,000 tickets were issued for the high-octane Pakistan vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup match on Friday, but thousands of ticketless fans tried to enter the stadium, which created chaos.

"More than 16,000 tickets had been issued for tonight’s game between Pakistan and Afghanistan. However, thousands of ticketless fans traveled to the venue and then attempted to force entry into the stadium," the statement read.

"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," it added. "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 also apologised to "fans with valid tickets who were unable to enter the stadium".

"For the Afghan fans, please buy a ticket and come to the stadium. Don't repeat again. This is not good," Afghanistan skipper Mohammad Nabi said in the Afg vs Pak post-match press conference.

Talking about the match, Babar Azam's unbeaten 51 and Asif Ali's seven-ball four sixes powered Pakistan to a five-wicket win over Afghanistan in Group match of ICC Men's T20 World Cup on Friday. In group 2. Pakistan is at the top in Points table with six points from three wins.