Security remained the host nation’s top priority as Pakistan prepared for the coveted Champions Trophy in 2025. Similarly, a video that has been making the rounds on social media shows security personnel preparing at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore to deal with possible pitch invaders during the competition.
Security staff received specialised training as part of the preparations to handle any unforeseen situations. In the widely shared video, the guards were seen rehearsing how to track down and capture possible pitch intruders. A rising worry in cricket matches is the problem of pitch incursions.
In recent years, there have been a number of noteworthy occurrences that have sparked concerns, such as fans breaking through security to see their beloved players. Many were therefore entertained by the type of exercises carried out for that reason.
Check out the viral video of Pakistan security guards training in Gaddafi Stadium Lahore:
no way pakistan cricket board actually conducting special drills on how to catch a fan inside stadium 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/NQRWJpR7h3
— kunal (@kyunaaaal) February 7, 2025
The first ICC tournament to be held in Pakistan after 1996
After years of security concerns that hindered international teams from visiting the nation, Pakistan is officially hosting a major ICC (International Cricket Council) event again. The last time Pakistan hosted an ICC tournament was in 1996, when India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka jointly hosted the ODI Cricket World Cup. But the nation saw a ten-year hiatus from international cricket after the 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore.
The Champions Trophy 2025 is set to take place from February 19 to March 9, and Pakistan is doing everything in its can to keep players, officials, and spectators safe. Among the many measures the PCB has undertaken are the timely completion of Gaddafi Stadium’s restoration, the improvement of security procedures, the installation of brighter LED lights, two new, larger score screens, cosy imported seats in every enclosure, and collaboration with local law enforcement.
Before authorising the competition, the ICC and other cricketing organisations kept a careful eye on Pakistan’s security situation. Future chances for the nation to host significant international events may be impacted by any security gap.