Watch- Another MASSIVE security lapse in Afghanistan vs England Champions Trophy match; PCB under heavy fire

The England-Afghanistan group match in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has witnessed intense drama at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore. Afghanistan etched their name in history at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a thrilling victory over England in a must-win clash in Lahore.

In a high-stakes Group B encounter, Afghanistan held their nerve to secure a narrow 8-run triumph, keeping their semifinal hopes alive in the prestigious tournament. This remarkable win marked the Afghan team's second triumph over England in ICC events.

Fan storms field after Afghanistan’s historic win over England

However, apart from the battle between the players from both teams, an unexpected incident turned heads at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium. The ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 once again experienced an instance of pitch invasion in Pakistan.

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The first security incident took place at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium during the Group A match between New Zealand and Bangladesh. A fan ran onto the field to hug Rachin Ravindra. However, security quickly caught him, and he was later arrested and banned from all stadiums.

And now a pitch invader spoiled Afghanistan’s celebration, raising serious concerns over Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) security arrangements for this mega event. Actually, after Afghanistan’s thrilling win over England, the fans and players erupted in wild celebrations.

Major security lapse at Gaddafi Stadium

However, the excitement took an unexpected turn when a spectator ran onto the field, trying to hug the Afghan players, disrupting the team’s celebration. However, the security acted quickly, stopping the intruder and escorting him away.

Read Also: Ravi Shastri rubs salt on England's wounds; murders them after Afghanistan drub with a brutal jibe

However, the security personnel had to struggle a lot to get the pitcher out of the ground, but they managed to keep the players safe from the fans. But there is still no information about the identity of the person who ran onto the field during the England-Afghanistan match in Lahore.

If this intruder has links to a militant group, the officials may have to take strict security measures as the competition reaches its final stages. Notably, the man who hugged Rachin Ravindra was a supporter of the militant group.

Afghan cricket fan entered in Gaddafi Stadium playing area to meet Afghan team players then security officials caught him after he met them...
افغانیوں کی خوشیاں اتنی کہ خندق بھی کراس کرڈالی#PakistanCricket #AfgvsEng #EngvsAfg pic.twitter.com/zQQw27UplA

— Qadir Khawaja (@iamqadirkhawaja) February 26, 2025

PCB announces tougher measures after back-to-back pitch invasions in ICC Champions Trophy 2025

However, the PCB has stressed the board is taking stricter security protocols at all venues following consecutive pitch invasions in Rawalpindi and Lahore.

The PCB said in an official statement as quoted by Dawn: “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 statement added, “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.”

Notably, the Afghan side will play their final group game against Australia on February 28 in Lahore, and if they manage to outfox the Kangaroos, they will have much better chances to make it to the semifinals of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025.