The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reacted firmly to a security breach that occurred during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match between New Zealand and Bangladesh on Monday. A spectator managed to enter the field of play, raising serious concerns over the safety of players and officials.
In a statement, the PCB emphasized that player and official safety remains their top priority. The board confirmed that they are collaborating with local security agencies, who have pledged to increase security personnel at all venues and strengthen access control measures. The PCB also highlighted that the individual responsible for the breach has been arrested and presented before a court, and has been permanently banned from all cricket venues in Pakistan.
To ensure such incidents do not occur in the future, the PCB is working closely with security agencies and venue authorities to review and enhance security protocols. Meanwhile, the interior ministry and law enforcement agencies are conducting urgent security drills and revising current protocols ahead of future matches to avoid further lapses.
The breach occurred at Rawalpindi Stadium, where the spectator, who waved a picture of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief, was able to bypass security measures. This incident exposed a significant lapse in the execution of security plans, despite the deployment of over 10,000 security personnel across Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi for the Champions Trophy.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has called for a thorough investigation and a swift review of security protocols to prevent similar breaches in upcoming matches.
