No place for hooliganism in cricket, says angry PCB chief

Ramiz Raja on Thursday said there is no place for hooliganism in the gentleman's game and blamed Afghanistan fans for the off-field brawl between supporters of both the nations after a nail-biting Asia Cup match in Sharjah. Fans of Pakistan and Afghanistan literally came to blows following the former's one-wicket win in the Super 4 match on Wednesday. The trigger for the brawl on Wednesday was fuelled by Pakistan batter Asif Ali getter rather physical with Fareed Ahmed after the pacer's in your face celebrations following the former's dismissal.

An angry PCB chief said they would be lodging a protest over the events to the ICC and and Asian cricket bodies, including Emirates Cricket Board. "There is no place for hooliganism in cricket. Afghanistan as a nation, team have to control their emotions if they are to progress further. It was a great match both teams fought hard but there was no need for such scenes after the match," Ramiz said at a press conference. It was not the first time such an incident happened. The passionate fans of both teams had come to blows even during the T20 World Cup last year and the 2019 ODI World Cup.

(AP Photo)"The visuals we saw after the match in particular are not good advertisement for cricket at all. It has happened before also not the first time it happened and that is something all cricket nations have to look at," Ramiz said. He said winning and losing are part of a game but fans must learn to keep their emotions in check. "We own our cricket team and our fans and that is why we will be talking to the ICC and other related bodies on this issue.” Ramiz also praised the Pakistan team for its performances in the Asia Cup. "I just think our team needs to stop giving so many heart