Pakistan’s Intelligence Bureau issued a high-level security alert on Monday, warning authorities of an alleged plot by "active covert groups" to abduct foreign guests attending the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 for ransom. Intelligence reports suggest that the terror group is specifically targeting Chinese and Arab nationals, monitoring ports, airports, offices, and residential areas frequented by visitors from these countries. The operatives of ISKP are reportedly planning to rent properties on the outskirts of cities to serve as safe houses, selecting locations with limited surveillance and accessible mainly by rickshaw or motorcycle. The group intends to transport kidnapped individuals between these safe houses under the cover of darkness to avoid detection by security forces.
This warning comes amidst growing concerns about Pakistan’s ability to secure major international events. The country has previously faced criticism for underreporting incidents involving foreign nationals. Past attacks, such as the 2024 assault on Chinese engineers in Shangla and the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore, have raised questions about its security preparedness.In addition, Afghanistan's intelligence agency (GDI) has issued its own alert regarding potential ISKP attacks on vital locations and is intensifying efforts to track down missing operatives linked to the group.
While Pakistan is hosting the ninth edition of the Champions Trophy, the tournament has not started smoothly for the hosts. The 2017 winners have lost both of their opening matches, including a six-wicket defeat to India on February 23 and another loss to New Zealand. The Champions Trophy, which began as the ICC Knockout in 1998 in Dhaka, has since been held in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2000. India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns has sparked considerable debate, with Pakistan’s security issues and geopolitical tensions being major factors behind the decision. Notable Pakistani cricket veterans like Inzamam-ul-Haq, Ramiz Raja, and Misbah-ul-Haq have emphasized the significance of the 2025 Champions Trophy. Inzamam-ul-Haq reflected on how the 2009 attack dramatically altered the trajectory of Pakistan's cricketing landscape.
