Another Fan Breaches Security During ENG vs AFG Match; Leaves PCB Red-Faced

The Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore has seen a great deal of drama during the England-Afghanistan group match in the current ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Afghanistan made history at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 by defeating England in a thrilling match that was a must-win in Lahore.

Afghanistan maintained their hopes of qualifying for the coveted tournament's semifinals after winning by a slim margin of 8 runs in a high-stakes Group B match. It was the Afghan team's second victory over England in ICC competitions.

But aside from the conflict between the two teams' players, the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium saw a surprising incident that attracted attention. Another pitch invasion occurred in Pakistan during the current ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Field invasions expose PCB’s security measures for the Champions Trophy

The first security issue happened during the New Zealand vs. Bangladesh Group A match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. To hug Rachin Ravindra, a fan rushed onto the field. Security soon apprehended him, though, and he was subsequently taken into custody and barred from all stadiums.

Serious questions have been raised over the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) security plans for this major event when a pitch invasion ruined Afghanistan's celebration. There were wild celebrations among the players and supporters following Afghanistan's exciting victory over England.

Gaddafi Stadium security fails as Afghan fan invades the pitch

The team's celebration was cut short when a fan rushed onto the field and attempted to embrace the Afghan players. But security moved swiftly, apprehending the intruder and guiding him out.

Although it took a lot of effort on the part of the security staff to remove the pitcher from the ground, they were able to protect the players from the spectators. However, the identity of the person who ran onto the pitch during the England vs. Afghanistan game in Lahore is still unknown.

As the tournament nears its conclusion, officials may need to implement stringent security measures if this invader has ties to a militant organization. Interestingly, the man who embraced Rachin Ravindra was a terrorist group follower.

PCB makes stringent rules after successive fan invasions

In the aftermath of the second fan invasion in Champions Trophy 2025, PCB has stressed the board is taking stricter security protocols at all venues.

“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. The individual involved was arrested and presented before a court of law today.

In addition, he has been permanently banned from entering all cricket venues in Pakistan. The individual involved was arrested and presented before a court of law today. In addition, he has been permanently banned from entering all cricket venues in Pakistan,” PCB stated as per the Dawn.

Afghanistan will next play Australia in their final group-stage game on February 28 in Lahore and if they win, they will qualify for the semi-final of the tournament.

Also Read: Pakistan On High Alert After Terrorist Attack Threat In ICC Champions Trophy 2025