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"Game For Unity...": Rashid Khan Sends 'Peace' Message Ahead Of UAE Tri-Series

Soumyajit Dutta

Rashid Khan [Source: @BABAR9492/X.com]Rashid Khan [Source: @BABAR9492/X.com]

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan has appealed to fans to maintain discipline and uphold the spirit of cricket ahead of the T20I tri-series opener against Pakistan in Sharjah on August 29.

The tri-series, featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and hosts UAE, runs until September 7 and serves as crucial preparation for the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, which begins on September 9 in the UAE.

Rashid’s message after Sharjah crowd trouble in 2022

Recalling the ugly 2022 Sharjah incident, where crowd trouble overshadowed Pakistan’s one-wicket win over Afghanistan, Rashid urged fans to avoid a repeat. The incident sparked violent crowd scenes, leading to a PCB protest with the ICC. 

Several Afghan fans were detained but released without arrests. With political ties worsening since, concerns of renewed hostility loom ahead of their next meeting. Rashid addressed this concern before the match.

“My message to everyone who comes to the stadium is that cricket brings unity. It gets the nations together. It shows the right message, the peace message. It brings people and nations together. This game is all about enjoyment, we play it to entertain the fans. I urge everyone to come, support their teams respectfully, and enjoy every moment of the match,” Rashid said in a press conference.

Organisers have implemented stricter security measures, including separate seating sections for fans of both nations, a step also seen during their 2023 UAE series.

High-stakes Tri-Series as Asia Cup build-up

The short tri-series leaves no room for favourites, according to Rashid Khan. “No team is favourite, especially in T20Is. One or two players can completely change the game. Everyone will be aiming to deliver their best performances,” he added.

Each team will play the others twice, with the top two sides meeting in the final on September 7 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Pakistan and Afghanistan have met seven times in T20Is. Pakistan lead the rivalry 4-3, but the games are known for their intensity, especially in front of passionate diaspora crowds in the UAE.