Pakistan Cricket Board Security Breach at Champions Trophy
Security Breach at Gaddafi Stadium
Another serious embarrassment for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) followed rampant security breach. It was against the England-Afghanistan game played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Someone invaded the field at the end of the game, winning the match by a mere eight runs, putting alarm bells in new ramifications over the issue of security at its venue.
The intruder managed to break the barrier and reach Afghan players before he was caught. This occurred a few days after an incident when a fan sought to access the pitch. He did approach Rachin Ravindra during the Bangladesh versus New Zealand game.
Repercussions Upon Pakistan’s Capability to Host
Pakistan is hosting an ICC event for the first time in almost thirty years. These blunders have placed the PCB under enormous scrutiny. In a bid to keep Pakistan in good standing to host future international events, everything ought to go extremely well in a highly safe environment. Back-to-back breaches leave grave doubts over the feasibility of the current protocol. Although PCB and security agencies may have advised a little assurance.
Possible Semifinal Holders
With all security concerns making headlines, the incredible win against England by Afghanistan keeps them in the hunt for the semifinals. Their next game against Australia on February 28 at Gaddafi Stadium will be critical. If they win and England beats South Africa, they are into the next stage. Otherwise, they must pray that South Africa wins to clinch the last semifinals berth.
The PCB must waste no time ensuring that security is beefed up. They should also make sure that incidents of this nature do not recur with the world’s eyes glued to the tournament. Cricket enthusiasts are expected to be treated to an exciting game ahead, with sports news headlines today suggesting severe surveillance of security standards.
