During yesterday’s Super 12 fixture between Pakistan and Afghanistan at Abu Dhabi, thousands of ticketless fans attempted to enter the Dubai International Stadium forcefully.
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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has asked Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) to investigate into the matter after thousands of ticketless fans tried to enter the stadium. The ICC had issued an apology to the ticket holders who could not enter the stadium due to the chaos made by the ticketless crowd. Many supporters who carried tickets with them were barred from entering the stadium as the gates were locked midway through the first innings of the game. A huge Crowds breached the outer perimeter of the arena, and massed outside the entrances to the stands.
“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 ICC statement said.
“The ICC and ECB apologise to any fans with valid tickets who were unable to enter the stadium tonight and request they contact the ticket provider.”
After the gates were closed, a number of fans carrying the Afghan flags were seen scaling the stadiums walls in an attempt to force their way into the stands.
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“More than 16,000 tickets had been issued for tonight’s game between Pakistan and Afghanistan,” the ICC wrote in a statement.
“However, thousands of ticketless fans travelled to the venue and then attempted to force entry into the stadium.
“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 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.”
Three hours prior to the start of the game, many Afghanistan supporters gathered in the car park opposite the ramp leading up to the stadium. The fans were waving flags and painting each other’s faces. However, at 6pm during the start of the match many Afghani fans intended to enter the stadium without tickets.
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