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BCCI Faces Scrutiny As 'Free Palestine' Invader Breaches Security In World Cup Final

image-lp7wojftSecuritu trying to catch Johnson. (AFP)

In a security breach during the World Cup final, an Australian national, Johnson Wen, wearing a white tee supporting Palestine and red shorts, invaded the pitch, attempting to hug Virat Kohli before security authorities apprehended him at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, November 19.

Johnson, a pro-Palestine supporter, managed to enter the pitch despite the presence of thousands of security personnel during the World Cup final and approached Kohli before being swiftly removed by security. The pitch invader was wearing a 'Free Palestine' T-shirt. He dared to enter the field in Ahmedabad, where 130,000 fans witnessed Australia's historic six-wicket win in the final.

The pitch invader approached Kohli, initially patting the former Indian captain's back and attempting to hug him. However, security personnel intervened, shooing the intruder away.

The 24-year-old trespasser was later detained by Ahmedabad City Police and taken to the Chandkheda Police Station for questioning.

A new video emerged, shedding more light on Johnson's actions. He leapt high to cross barricades, evaded officials, jumped over advertisement boards, and ran straight to Kohli.

Pitch invasions disrupting games are not unprecedented and may continue if strict actions are not promptly taken. Last month, the infamous British prankster Jarvo 69, aka Daniel Jarvis, entered the field wearing an India kit during the World Cup game between India and Australia, approaching Kohli.

Questions have arisen about how he gained access to the VIP area, breaching multiple security layers. Jarvis's antics led to the England Cricket Board (ECB) launching a security review in 2021 after he disrupted three consecutive Test matches between England and India.

Now, it appears that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) needs to conduct a similar security review to prevent interruptions during play. In India, where such security breaches are more frequent, a comprehensive review becomes essential to safeguard the integrity of cricket matches.