The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) vowed to step up security measures after spectators broke into the field during the New Zealand ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Group A match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 24th.
The individual holding the photo ran onto the pitch and hugged New Zealand batsman Raychin Rabindra during the run chase.
Rabindra, who managed to get along, had a visibly distanced himself from the intruders before his teammate Tom Latham joined him and assessed the situation. The broadcast cameras didn’t show the invaders on the pitch, but the fuss was clear.
The security revocation has sparked concern, particularly as Pakistan is holding a marquee ICC event.
The PCB confirmed in an official statement on Tuesday that the individual was arrested and presented in front of a courthouse and permanently banned from entering the Pakistani cricket venue.
“Ensuring the safety of our players and officials remains our number one priority,” the PCB said. “We were involved 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 incident added scrutiny to the remaining tournament security arrangements to work closely with law enforcement and venue authorities to review and strengthen the protocol.
The match went on without further confusion, but the violations underscore the need for stricter enforcement of security guidelines.