Afghanistan skipper Gulbadin Naib issued a plea to supporters after his team’s three-wicket defeat by Pakistan at the World Cup on Saturday was marred by clashes in the stands and outside the stadium.
Videos shared on social media showed supporters of both countries fighting outside Headingley and security personnel being forced to intervene, with reports saying that at least two fans were evicted from the ground during the match.
The clashes continued after the match ended, with supporters charging on to the pitch and some fans captured on camera throwing punches at each other in the stands. The ICC has promised to take action against any offenders.
“We’re here to leave a good impression of my team and also my country. So if you look at my country, there’s not good going on in the last 40, 45 years. But we’re here to show to the world we want friendship,” Naib said.
“To all the audiences watching these kinds of matches, this is only a cricket game. Just watch the cricket game. It’s a sport.
“To all audiences who are watching matches, please just watch like a sport.”
“I love this kind of audience to cause the cheering, both sides,” he added. “I think they love the players… so they’re really excited to meet them and to hug them.
