Lahore security officials implement unique tactics to apprehend pitch-invading fans during specialized Champions Trophy training

After three decades of anticipation, Pakistan has been selected as the host for a prestigious ICC tournament, signaling a major opportunity for the country to reestablish itself as a prominent destination for international cricket. The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, the National Stadium in Karachi, and the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium have all undergone extensive renovations in preparation for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. These venues are now fully equipped to host an exciting tri-nation series featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa, showcasing the best of cricket talent on a global stage.

With that in mind, Pakistan want everything to be in order and as seamless as possible as they prepare to act as hosts to eight of the world's best men's cricket teams. This includes addressing overarching concerns with player security and welfare, with one of video being shared to social media showing exactly that.

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In the video, security personnel can be seen running onto the field and working together to corral and apprehend mock pitch invaders. In a drill involving the stadium security staff, multiple groups can be seen heading out to chase pitch invaders, before promptly returning to a certain part of the boundary.

Added security at new-look Gaddafi Stadium

Beyond the training for potential pitch invaders as a precautionary measure, images had earlier been shared from the refurbished Gaddafi Stadium in which a dug-up trench could be seen separating the playing surface from the seated stands, once again perhaps as a precautionary measure to prevent people from entering the field of play. It is unclear whether that is the express purpose of the trench, however.

Other logistical considerations will have to be brought up and dealt with, with the new-look Gaddafi Stadium being inaugurated by Pakistan and New Zealand in their opening contest of this tri-series. This will actually as a dry run for understanding the full capabilities of the new increase-capacity stadium, as well as preparing it for the excitement that will follow in the Champions Trophy curtain-raiser involving the same two teams on February 19.

Pakistan enter the Champions Trophy as defending champions, eight long years on from their famous triumph in 2017. In a crucial moment for Pakistan cricket, the nation will be hoping such drills are purely precautionary and don't actually need to come into effect over the next month.

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