Pakistan team management requests ICC for additional security
London 30th June:The Pakistan team management has requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) for additional security, after clashes between fans and spectators running onto the field during the Men in Green’s match against Afghanistan on Sunday in Leeds.
Police were forced to intervene as violent clashes between rival supporters, outside the stadium and in the stands, marred the World Cup match between the two sides. After Pakistan’s nail-biting three-wicket win over Afghanistan, the losing team’s supporters also ran onto the field in a bid to attack the Pakistan players but security staff intervened to avoid any mishap from happening.
The Pakistan team were also restricted to their dressing room, after the conclusion of the match, due to lack of security and fear of more violent incidents. Later when additional security personnel arrived, after a complain was filed by the team management, the team was safely escorted from the stadium.
Political relations between certain south Asian neighbors have had years of distrust and unsolvable issues.
Eyewitnesses told Baaghi TV there were clashes in the spectator stand at the start of the match, which spread outside the stadium until security officers had to intervene.
Security personnel timely intervened due to which the situation did not go out of control,” explaind Ahmed Zai, who hails from Peshawar, but is a long time resident of nearby Bradford.
A Pakistani journalist was also brutally attacked by the crowd, forcing him to stop shooting his video.
A statement issued by West Yorkshire police said: “At 11:55 am today police received reports of some trouble outside the stadium linked to people trying to get in. Officers attempted to disperse the group without any issues and remained on patrol in the area.”
The International Cricket Council said in a statement: that they were aware of some scuffle-ling among a few fans and are currently working with the venue security team and the local police force.