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An intruder managed to hug Rachin Ravindra during a Champions Trophy match raising serious questions over security measures in place for the global tournament.
The pitch invader (right) managed to hug Rachin Ravindra. (AP Photo)
In a major security breach, an individual managed to give the security at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium the slip and hugged cricketer Rachin Ravindra during a Champions Trophy 2025 match between New Zealand and Bangladesh earlier this week. The pitch invader, allegedly carrying a photo of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan leader Saad Rizvi, has been arrested and presented in court.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) came under fire following the incident given the country is hosting a global cricket tournament for the first time in 29 years.
PCB has released a statement acknowledging the breach and said they are tightening the security around the field of play 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. 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,” PCB said in a statement.
The intruder has been banned from entering all cricket venues in Pakistan as well.
“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 read.
Ravindra, who was playing his first match of the tournament after recovering from a nasty injury, looked clearly unhappy at the pitch invader who was then swiftly removed from the venue.
“To prevent such incidents in the future, the PCB is working closely with security agencies and venue authorities to review and reinforce security protocols,” PCB said.
Ravindra scored a sparkling century to guide New Zealand to a comfortable win over Bangladesh and seal their semifinal berth alongside India from Group A.
New Zealand next take on India in Dubai on March 2.
