Security lapse at Champions Trophy 2025? Fans seen scaling the walls of Gaddafi Stadium in Pakistan
While many were excited about the hosting of a major cricket event in Pakistan after several years, it seems the enthusiasm got out of hand. Videos from the event have been going viral！but not for the right reasons.
Pakistan is set to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and preparations for the tournament reportedly began months ago with the reconstruction of major stadiums. On February 13, the grand opening ceremony took place at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
While many were excited about the hosting of a major cricket event in Pakistan after several years, it seems the enthusiasm got out of hand. Videos from the event have been going viral！but not for the right reasons.
Video goes viral
The opening ceremony officially began at 7 PM, marking the countdown to the tournament. However, a viral video circulating on social media showed fans climbing over stadium walls and fences to gain access to the ceremony. Reports indicate that the breach occurred in the VIP section.
The scene of VIP entry during Grand opening ceremony of #iccchampionstrophy2025 in Karachi, and Pakistan wanted India to come! pic.twitter.com/YJott14VQt
！ Megh Updates ?? (@MeghUpdates) February 13, 2025
Fans react
This led to widespread "second-hand embarrassment" among both Pakistani and international viewers. Many users on X (formerly known as Twitter) reacted to the video, calling the incident shameful.
One user wrote, "Do Pakistanis have any shame, or did they mix it and drink it?"
Do Pakistanis have any shame or did they also mix it and drink it?
！ Shri Krishan (@krishan9889) February 13, 2025
Another commented, "I hope other participating teams are watching this. The Champions Trophy should have been completely moved out of Pakistan."
I hope other participating teams are watching this, champions trophy should have completely shifted from Pakistan
！ Anuj (@Anuj_utkala) February 13, 2025
A third user joked, "Clearly, this is an innovative approach to reducing wait times. Why wait in line when you can just climb over each other?"
Clearly, this is an innovative approach to reducing wait times. Why wait in line when you can climb over each other?
！ PM (@naannomad) February 13, 2025
Another added, "This raises serious security concerns that India has been highlighting for some time now."
This raises a lot of security concerns that India has been highlighting over the period of time.
！ Vicky (@weirdo_vicky) February 13, 2025
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match schedule
The tournament will begin on February 19, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opening match. Matches will be played across Pakistan and the UAE, with India set to play its games in Dubai, starting with a match against Bangladesh on February 20.
The arch-rivals India and Pakistan will lock horns on February 23, Sunday from 2:30 PM IST at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The excitement for this game has already reached it's peak with tickets getting sold out within minutes of it being available.
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Karen Noronha is a versatile journalist with a passion for sports and K-pop. With over 7 years of experience at publications like IBTimes UK, DNA, and OTTPlay/DesiMartini, she seamlessly transitions between covering global athletic events and the dynamic world of K-pop.
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