Explosion rocks Shpageeza Cricket League match in Kabul

At least four people are said to be injured after a blast at the Kabul International Cricket Stadium on Friday (July 29)

A match in the Shpageeza Cricket League had to be stopped after an explosion reportedly inside the Kabul International Cricket Stadium.

Pamir Zalmi were facing Band-e-Amir Dragons in the tournament's 22nd match on Friday (July 29) when the incident occurred.

Local media have reported a blast took place leading to fans scrambling for the exits.

Videos and images on social media show smoke emerging from one side of the ground while fans begin to leave.

Footage : An explosion occurred inside the #Kabul international cricket Ground during the Shepgize Cricket tournament .#Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/yWw0ENLz00

— Abdulhaq Omeri (@AbdulhaqOmeri) July 29, 2022

Additional footage shows some children visibly distressed by the events.

Both sets of players, officials and staff took cover and were unhurt.

No deaths have yet been confirmed.

^{Kabul International Cricket Stadium (AAMIR QURESHI/AFP/Getty Images)}

In a statement, Afghanistan Cricket Board chief executive Nasseb Khan - installed upon the Taliban retaking control of the country last year - says four people have been injured. The reason for the explosion has not yet been confirmed.

"The match was going on between two teams in Shpageza League, and during the match, a blast happened; four civilians in the crowd have been injured," said Khan in a statement.

Band-e-Amir, captained by Aftab Alam, won the match by nine wickets after reaching an adjusted total of 95 with 17 balls remaining.

Footage : There have been casualties in the blast at the Kabul international cricket stadium. #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/wM7qMsVDpR

— Abdulhaq Omeri (@AbdulhaqOmeri) July 29, 2022

Civil unrest has been a constant theme in Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in May 2021. 

In June, the country was hit by a devastating earthquake in the southeastern region killing at least 1,000 people.

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