Rashid Khan calls for unity
Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the UAE were set to clash in a tri-nation T20I series from August 29, serving as preparation for the Asia Cup.
Afghanistan take on Pakistan in the opening fixture on Friday night at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Ahead of the contest, Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan urged supporters to show unity in the stands.
The last meeting between the two teams in Sharjah, during the 2022 Asia Cup, was marred by crowd trouble. With political tensions adding to the rivalry, UAE will stage multiple high-profile fixtures over the next month, including possible India-Pakistan and Afghanistan-Pakistan clashes.
Rashid appealed for calm, reminding fans of cricket’s unifying role. “It is a message to everyone who ever comes to watch the game in the stadium. This game is something that brings unity, it brings people together, and brings nations together. It shows the right message, a message of peace. Everyone coming to the ground should support their team, support the players, and have fun. This game is all about enjoyment. We play this game to enjoy it and give entertainment to the crowd. I feel like it is just a game. There is nothing bigger to it.”
He further added, “For the crowd to come and support their teams, and the respective players, that is what I request of them, and make sure they have fun and enjoy every moment of the game.”
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Pakistan skipper Salman Agha, who took over T20I captaincy earlier this year in place of Mohammed Rizwan, described the tri-series as a crucial warm-up ahead of the Asia Cup in Dubai. His squad will feature a fresh look, with senior players like Rizwan and Babar Azam absent. “It is going to be exciting, but great for our preparation as well,” Salman said. “I know it is going to be challenging, but we are ready for that.”
The UAE will also aim to make an impact under captain Muhammad Waseem, who believes his side’s recent preparation gives them confidence. “It is home for all three teams, but the way we have prepared, the way we have played for the past couple of years, and the work we have done over the past one and a half months, I think we are going to play good cricket over here,” Waseem said. The tri-series will feature two matches each for Pakistan, Afghanistan, and UAE, followed by the final in Sharjah.
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Last Updated on August 29, 2025
