Former Pakistan skipper demands more security for players at 'home of cricket' Lord's

Salman Butt, the former Pakistan cricketer, recently encouraged the Lord's administration to beef up security for patrons in the Long Room. On Day 5 of the recently finished second Ashes 2023 Test versus England, Australian opener Usman Khawaja got into a verbal fight involving some Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) members. This prompted his remarks.

Butt criticised English supporters for their misbehaviour. No athletes deserve to be treated in this manner at the venue, in his opinion. The former opener said that if there is insufficient protection and there may eventually be a physical altercation between spectators and the players at The Lord's. The fans witnessed a verbal altercation during the fifth day at lunch at the iconic Lord's Cricket ground

The security of players should not be compromised: Salman Butt

Salman Butt commented on the contentious conversation on his YouTube channel. He said, “There was a verbal altercation on this occasion, but there could be a physical fight in the future. There should not be any exception for Lord's. The security of players should not be compromised. The areas where players are supposed to pass must have tight security."

He further spoke about this topic by saying that, "I understand it is their tradition, but things could have escalated quickly. They should have a fence or glass in between. If they don't want to do that, then at least change the passage for the players. This was very discouraging. You cannot misbehave with any player like this."

It is important to note that following the Usman Khawaja incident, the MCC suspended three players. The Australian team was jeered as it made its way to the dressing area for lunch, and Khawaja with David Warner got into a heated argument with a few spectators. Immediately after Jonny Bairstow's contentious stumping on the last day of the Lord's Test, the English crowd responded. After dodging a bouncer by Cameron Green, the right-handed batter went out of his crease and was stumped by Alex Carey.