BAJAUR: One person was killed and four others were injured, including two police officials, after a clash erupted between the supporters of two teams during the final match of a cricket tournament in Bajaur district on Friday.

Police and witnesses told Dawn that the incident occurred in the second inning of the final match of the Bajaur Cricket League arranged by the district administration at Bajaur Sports Complex in Khar.

They said the teams — 804 and Salarzai Zalmi — were owned by PTI former lawmaker Gul Zafar Khan and MNA Mubarakzeb Khan, respectively.

They said the clash between the supporters of both the teams erupted in the second inning when the players and management of the 804 team rejected a decision of the third empire that declared one of its batsmen to be run out.

Witnesses said supporters of both the teams used chairs and sticks to hit each other. The scuffle later spread to the entire stadium, where thousands of spectators were present.

Several videos of the incident circulated on social media soon after the clash showed that a number of supporters of both the teams attacked each other with chairs, sticks and cricket bats.

The videos showed that some angry supporters also destroyed windows, doors and other infrastructure at the sports complex. The fighting between the supporters of the rival sides, which continued for about 30 minutes, also caused stampede in the stadium.

The local police and Rescue 1122 officials said one person, identified as Fazl Wahid, 50, died, and four others, were injured. Two policemen, including DSP Suhail Khan, were among the injured.

Israr Khan, a spokesman of the local police, told Dawn on Friday that soon after the incident, district police officer Waqas Rafique along with a contingent reached the stadium to control the situation.

He said the police started investigation into the incident.

He said at least six persons involved in the incident had been arrested.

Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2024