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Xtra Time Web Desk: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday issued an apology to the valid ticket holders after they were unable to enter the Dubai International Stadium for the Afghanistan and Pakistan clash in the T20 World Cup 2021. Hundreds of Afghan supporters entered the stadium without valid tickets as security personnel left watching.

ICC has already ordered the Emirates Cricket Board to investigate how the situation occurred. Mostly the Pakistani fans with valid tickets were deprived from entering the stadium as the gates were closed midway through the first innings of the match.

The measure was taken after thousands of ticketless fans surged on the stadium. Spectators, mostly Afghans breached the outer perimeter of the arena, and massed outside the entrances to the stands. Afghan fans were seen scaling the stadiums walls in an attempt to force their way into the stands.

Mounted police attended the area where the disturbance took place, and an anti-riot police van later arrived on the scene.

“The ICC has asked the ECB to undertake a thorough investigation into tonight’s events to learn any lessons and will work closely with authorities to ensure there is no repeat of this situation in the future,” the ICC statement said.

“More than 16,000 tickets had been issued for tonight’s game between Pakistan and Afghanistan,” the ICC wrote in a statement.

“However, thousands of ticketless fans travelled to the venue and then attempted to force entry into the stadium.

“Dubai Police and security staff secured the stadium to ensure the safety of everyone inside and brought in significant additional resources to disperse the crowd and calm the situation.

“At approximately 7pm, Dubai Police directed that all gates should remain closed and no further entry was permitted to maintain a safe and controlled environment inside the venue.”

The atmosphere outside the Dubai International Stadium was entirely joyous, with Afghan fans waving flags, painting each other’s faces, and dancing to music.

However, as the 6pm start time approached, it appeared many supporters without tickets had become intent on making their way into the ground.