 "A spectator carrying a photograph of 'Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan' leader Saad Rizvi hugs Rachin Ravindra after invading the playing area at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium during the Champions Trophy Group A match between Bangladesh and New Zealand. AP")
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took “serious note” of a security breach that took place during the ICC Champions Trophy Group A clash between Bangladesh and New Zealand in Rawalpindi on Monday. A spectator had entered the field of play at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium during New Zealand’s chase of the 237-run target set by Bangladesh , and proceeded to hug all-rounder Rachin Ravindra.
The pitch invader was also carrying a photograph of politician and cleric Saad Rizvi, who currently heads Islamist party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan. The incident has heightened concerns over security in the first global cricketing event taking place in Pakistan in nearly 30 years.
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The Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB revealed that the runaway spectator has been arrested and was produced before a court on Tuesday, and has also been banned from entering all cricket stadiums in Pakistan.
“The PCB has taken serious note of the security breach that occurred yesterday when a spectator entered the field of play. Ensuring the safety of players and officials remains our top priority. As a responsible organisation, we have engaged with local security agencies, who have committed to increasing security personnel around the field of play at all venues and strengthening access control measures,” the PCB said in a statement on Tuesday.
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“The individual involved was arrested and presented before a court of law today (Tuesday). In addition, he has been permanently banned from entering all cricket venues in Pakistan,” the statement added.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsAccording to reports, the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy faces threat of terror attacks with Pakistan’s intelligence bureau issuing a high alert, warning of a possible target to kidnap foreign individuals during the event. The report also mentions terror groups such as Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and ISIS in connection with the plot.
Pakistani police officers dismissed for refusing Champions Trophy duty
Meanwhile, several officers have been sacked by Punjab Police for refusing to carry out security duties in the ongoing Champions Trophy, news agency Press Trust of India reported on Tuesday.
Two cities in Pakistan’s Punjab province – Lahore and Rawalpindi are hosting matches for the ninth edition of the ‘Mini World Cup’. The dismissed officers, meanwhile, belonged to various wings of the police force.
According to a Punjab Police official, more than 100 police officers have been sacked for being absent from duty on several occasions or for refusing to carry out tasks assigned to them. The official added that IGP Punjab Usman Anwar had ordered strict action against the guilty personnel.
“The police officials were assigned to provide security for teams travelling between Qaddafi Stadium Lahore and designated hotels but either remained absent or outright refused to take up their responsibilities.
“There is no room for negligence when it comes to the security of international events,” the official said.
According to local media, however, many of the dismissed cops had refused to carry out duties as a result of feeling overburdened by long duty hours.