Web Desk: A security lapse at Islamabad’s Diamond Ground drew attention during the ongoing President’s Trophy Grade-I tournament after a large group of spectators entered the playing area following Babar Azam’s dismissal.
The spectators quickly gathered around the Pakistan batter as he walked back after being dismissed, with several people attempting to take selfies with him.
Babar was eventually able to move through the crowd and reach the pavilion, but the incident raised concerns over how easily spectators were able to cross into the playing area.
The incident took place during the President’s Trophy Grade-I fixture between OGDCL and the State Bank of Pakistan.
Representing OGDCL, Babar scored 21 runs from 39 balls before Afaq Ahmed Afridi dismissed him.
His departure prompted the rush onto the field, with spectators surrounding the batter before he made his way back to the pavilion.
The episode highlighted questions about crowd-control measures at the venue and the level of security deployed around the playing area.
Babar returned to first-class cricket earlier this month after a seven-year absence, making his comeback in Abbottabad.
He scored 12 runs in the first innings of that match and added four in the second innings.
Since returning to the format, Babar has managed 37 runs across three innings in the President’s Trophy Grade-I.
The latest innings therefore added to a modest start to his first-class comeback, while the field invasion put the spotlight on security arrangements at the Islamabad venue.
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