Security Alert For Champions Trophy: Terror Plot Targets Foreign Tourists in Pakistan- wna24

New Delhi: Pakistan’s Intelligence Bureau on Monday warned the country’s security forces of a potential plot by several terrorist groups to kidnap foreign tourists attending the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 for ransom, as per the Republic’s sources.

The sources revealed that the alert has been issued against several terror groups, including Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), ISIS, and other Balochistan-based outfits.

Initial reports suggest that the ISKP (Islamic State – Khorasan Province) intends to rent properties across the city that lack CCTV surveillance and other possible. The group plans to move kidnapped individuals between these locations during the night to evade detection.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s intelligence agency (GDI) has also issued a warning about possible ISKP attacks on key locations and has intensified efforts to track down missing operatives linked to the group, as per media reports.

Amid reports of potential threat, Pakistan’s security forces have deployed heightened protection measures, including rangers and local police, to safeguard players and their accompanying staff. This heightened security is crucial given the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is being hosted by Pakistan.

This development comes as a significant setback for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as it works to revitalise cricket in the country.

Following a terror attack on the Sri Lanka cricket team in 2009, cricket was prohibited in Pakistan for over a decade.

In recent years, however, Pakistan has successfully hosted several top international teams.

The ICC Champions Trophy marks the first ICC tournament being held in the country in 26 years, and the recent security threat jeopardises its reputation.

Notably, India had previously expressed security concerns regarding Pakistan and declined to tour the nation, which led the PCB to adopt a hybrid model, with India’s matches scheduled to take place in Dubai. In response to intelligence reports, security measures have been intensified throughout Pakistan.

On Sunday, Team India defeated Pakistan by 6 wickets in the Group Stage match at the Dubai International Stadium. The Men in Blue continued their reign of domination crushing Pakistan’s aspirations of retaining the Champions Trophy.

After winning the toss, Pakistan opted to bat first against India in Dubai, aiming to secure an early advantage. However, this decision played into India’s hands and resulted in a disappointing performance for Pakistan. Key players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan once again failed to deliver results, with Shaud Shakeel’s 62 off 76 balls being the highlight as Pakistan managed to set a total of 241 runs.

In response, India embarked on their chase with relative ease, a result that was anticipated. Virat Kohli , the star cricketer scored 100 runs from 111 balls with a strike rate of 90.09, leading the team to victory. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma started aggressively, leaving Pakistan’s bowlers—Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi—struggling to find answers. Shubman Gill also provided stability as he anchored the innings.

India is now assured of a spot in the Champions Trophy semi-final and Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign is virtually over and they’ll have to rely on teams like New Zealand and Bangladesh if they are to play the knockouts.

(With inputs from Zeenat)