T20 World Cup 2021: Rashid Khan urges Pakistan and Afghanistan fans to not recreate ugly scenes of 2019 World Cup

Stakes will be pretty high when Pakistan takes on Afghanistan in their upcoming fixture in the T20 World Cup 2021. The encounter takes place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday (October 29). Having won their first two games of the competition, the Pakistan side would be high on confidence and one more win would bring them closer to a place in the semi-finals.

On the other hand, Afghanistan also started their campaign in an emphatic fashion, defeating Scotland by 130 runs in their first games. Hence, they would also be determined to get a semi-final. Meanwhile, Rashid Khan made a request to spectators of both teams on the eve of the game. He pleaded the viewers to behave and not recreate the tussle and pitch invasion which happened a couple of years ago.

For the unversed, the clash between Afghanistan and Pakistan in the 2019 World Cup was followed by an ugly fight between supporters of both sides. It was a thrilling contest which Pakistan eventually won by three wickets. Unfortunately, the game grabbed more limelight for fans’ behaviour more than the on-field battle.

Supporters of both teams turned on each other in the premises of the Leeds Cricket Stadium. While a lot of stadium property was damaged, the fans even went on to invade the pitch. Rashid, who participated in that game, doesn’t want any such nuisance this time around. Hence, he requested the fans to maintain the decorum in the Dubai Stadium.

What happened in the 2019 match should not have happened: Rashid Khan

“Definitely it’s always a good game against Pakistan, but this should remain as a game. I request all the fans to stay cool and calm and just enjoy the game. What happened in the 2019 match should not have happened,” Rashid was quoted as per saying by Cricket Pakistan. Meanwhile, Rashid played a vital role in taking Afghanistan to victory over Scotland.

He took a four-wicket haul as the associate nation got skittled out for just 60 in reply to Afghanistan’s 190-4. With the clash against Pakistan holding great significance, Rashid would be determined to unleash another match-winning spell against Babar Azam’s men.