Champions Trophy 2025: PCB takes serious note of security lapse in NZ vs BAN match in Rawalpindi

During Monday’s ICC Champions Trophy match between Bangladesh and New Zealand at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, there was a security breach that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken very seriously. The event, in which a spectator entered the playing field, has sparked concerns about the host country’s security plans for the current competition.

In the Group A match, a fan tried to embrace New Zealand batsman Rachin Ravindra after bringing a picture of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) leader Hafiz Saad Rizvi into the field. Security guards moved swiftly to stop the invader before he could engage with the player any more.

After being arrested inside the stadium, the person—who was identified as an Attock resident—was transported to the New Town police station.

The PCB has placed a strong emphasis on protecting officials and players after the event.

“A spectator entering the playing field yesterday resulted in a security breach, which the PCB has taken seriously. Keeping players and officials safe is still our first priority. Today, the person in question was taken into custody and brought before a judge. Furthermore, he is no longer permitted to enter any Pakistani cricket stadiums. Today, the person in question was taken into custody and brought before a judge. He has also been barred from all Pakistani cricket grounds for good,” the board announced on Tuesday, as reported by Dawn.

A dedicated control room was created to track movement.

A criminal trespass prosecution was filed against the intruder for preventing a public servant from carrying out their duty. When he appeared in court on Tuesday, the judge granted him bail in exchange for a PKR 50,000 surety bond. The person has been permanently barred from attending any cricket stadium in Pakistan, the PCB further declared.

Following the security lapse, law enforcement organizations have made the decision to bolster protection for the tournament’s next games. 350 traffic officers and more than 5,000 police officers have been stationed in and around the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium to stop any more violations.

To improve monitoring, snipers have been placed on rooftops, and a dedicated control room has been set up to keep an eye on movement. In order to preserve order, patrolling units, dolphin force squads, and elite troops have also been activated in the area.