The Asia Cup may be just around the corner, but before that, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the UAE will battle it out in a tri-nation T20I series starting August 29 in Sharjah. The tournament kicks off with Afghanistan taking on Pakistan under the lights on Friday.
Rashid Khan’s Message to Fans
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan has appealed for calm and unity ahead of the high-voltage clash. The last time Afghanistan and Pakistan met in Sharjah, during the 2022 Asia Cup, crowd trouble overshadowed the contest. With political tensions often spilling into the stands, Rashid urged fans to enjoy cricket peacefully.
“This game is about unity, bringing people and nations together. I request everyone to support their team, respect the players, and most importantly, enjoy the game,” Rashid said.
Security in Focus
Special security measures have been put in place for the Sharjah games, including segregated seating for fans if necessary. With the possibility of Afghanistan and Pakistan meeting up to three times in this tri-series, authorities are keen to avoid repeat incidents.
Pakistan, UAE Eye Asia Cup Prep
Pakistan’s new T20I skipper Salman Agha described the series as an ideal preparation for the Asia Cup in Dubai next month. Without senior stars like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan will test a fresh-looking squad.
“It is going to be challenging but a great opportunity for us,” Salman said.
UAE captain Muhammad Waseem, meanwhile, is confident of springing surprises despite his side being the underdogs. “We have prepared well over the past few months, and I believe we can play good cricket at home,” he said.
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