Asia Cup: sharp objects and banners banned in UAE stadiums

Dubai Police urge spectators attending the games to follow the rules

India's players attend a practice session ahead of their cricket match against Pakistan during the Asia Cup at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai on August 25. AFP

Virat Kohli of India warms up during the training session at the ICC Academy. Getty Images

The Indian team practise at the academy ground. AFP

The players during the practice session. AFP

They train together in Dubai. AFP

India's KL Rahul bats in the nets. AFP

Pakistan cricketers attend a practice session at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai. AFP

They are practising ahead of their cricket match against India during the Asia Cup. AFP

The Pakistani practice session. AFP

Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai. AFP

Pakistan captain Babar Azam. AFP

Azam practises before the match. AFP

Pakistan coach Saqlain Mushtaq gives a press conference. AFP

Sri Lanka's players attend a practice session ahead of their cricket match against Afghanistan during the Asia Cup. AFP

They practise at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai. AFP

Rohit Sharma of India plays a shot. All subsequent photos: Pawan Singh / The National

Virat Kohli and teammates train at the ICC Academy.

The Pakistan cricket team train in the nets at the ICC Academy in Dubai.

Shaheen Afridi takes a break from bowling during a nets session in Dubai.

Shadab Khan of Pakistan.

Virat Kohli in action.

Rohit Sharma and other members of the India team leaving the ICC Academy.

Fans wait for the India cricket team outside the ICC Academy in Dubai.

India players take a break during training.

Rohit Sharma of India.

Afghanistan players take part in a nets session at the ICC Academy in Dubai.

Mohammad Nabi of Afghanistan plays a shot.

Virat Kohli of India.

Mohammad Nabi of Afghanistan.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma of India.

Afghanistan players during training at the ICC Academy in Dubai.

Dubai Police are reminding fans planning to attend the Asia Cup cricket tournament in the city that political flags and banners will not be allowed in the stadium.

The force also said that laser pointers, drones, fireworks and flares are also prohibited.

The Asia Cup starts on Saturday at Dubai International Stadium. Dubai Police posted the reminder on social media.

It also stated that sharp objects, scooters, outside food and drink and filming are banned.

The 16-day tournament was supposed to be held in Sri Lanka but the political situation in the country meant it was moved to the UAE.

Dubai is hosting the majority of the matches at this year’s tournament, including the highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan on August 28.

The emirate also hosts the final on September 11, with the rest of the fixtures taking place in Sharjah.

“We are delighted to host the 2022 Asia Cup, the second largest cricket event in the world,” said Khalid Al Zarooni, chairman of the board of Dubai Sports City.

“It is watched by millions of fans across Asia and beyond. Dubai International Stadium will host the tournament for the second consecutive time. The last edition was also held in Dubai in 2018," Mr Al Zarooni said.

“This reflects Dubai’s status as the best city to host such mega-events.”

List of restricted items for the Asia Cup

Remote-controlled devices

Animals

Illegal or toxic substances

Radio communication devices or power banks

Fireworks or flares

Laser pointers

Smoking

Glass

Filming or flash photography

Selfie sticks, monopods or umbrellas

Sharp objects

Outside food or drinks

Political flags and banners

Bikes, skateboards or scooters