ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan threatened with terror attack

Apprehension naturally followed when Pakistan was announced as the host for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Not that the citizens are at fault, but several unfortunate incidents in the past have contributed to the country's notorious perception. India, the border-sharing neighbor, took a firm stand against traveling across the border due to safety concerns. While Pakistan repeatedly asserted its security preparedness, the hybrid model was adopted as India remained firm on its stance. Now, a report has suggested that an alert has been issued in the host nation over terror threats directly linked to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Pakistan Intelligence Bureau issues warning about terror threat during ICC Champions Trophy - Reports

A recent report has updated that the Pakistani Intelligence Bureau has been put on high alert following a threat by a terror group, the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). As per the report, the bureau has issued a warning about a possible kidnapping plot orchestrated by the group. The terror group allegedly aims to abduct Chinese and Arab nationals for ransom and has already begun surveillance at key locations, including ports, airports, offices, and residential areas. Additionally, Afghanistan’s intelligence agency (GDI) has also raised concerns over possible ISKP-led attacks.

In response, Pakistan’s security apparatus, including local police and paramilitary rangers, has ramped up protection in potential target areas. Extra security measures have also been implemented in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, cities set to host the ICC Champions Trophy matches, to safeguard players and support staff.

Security threats have long been a challenge for cricket tournaments in Pakistan. The 2009 terror attack on the Sri Lankan team bus, which left a Sri Lankan cricketer and an ICC Elite Panel umpire injured, resulted in Pakistan being sidelined as an international cricket host for nearly a decade. During that period, the team played most of its home matches in the UAE before international cricket returned to Pakistan in 2019.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 marks Pakistan’s first solo ICC event as host. The country last co-hosted an ICC tournament in 1996 when the ODI World Cup was jointly staged by India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. However, security concerns once again played a role in scheduling, as India refused to travel to Pakistan, leading to certain matches being relocated to Dubai. Political tensions have been ever present between the neighbours and the gruesome 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai led to India completely shunning Pakistan. With no intentions of undoing the decision, the BCCI in accordance with the central government refused the play the marquee event in Pakistan.

While six other teams, Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, have at least one match in Pakistan. Meanwhile, Pakistan has already hosted four matches involving all the Group A and Group B teams barring India of course. The first semi-final of the tournament is scheduled in Dubai and India, now that the team has qualified, will play this fixture. Moreover, if India manages to win the semi-final, then the ICC Champions Trophy final will be played in Dubai as well.