Terror threat looms over champions trophy: Pakistan's intelligence warns of possible attack

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is being held in Pakistan but the tournament is marked by a very high-security warning. There was a warning by the Pakistan Intelligence Bureau of a likely terrorist attack to be orchestrated at the tournament with foreign citizens being the potential targets. ISKP militants planned to abduct foreign tourists as hostages, reports from the intelligence said. Chinese and Arab citizens, the agency said, have been marked as particularly vulnerable.

As a countermeasure to the security threat, Pakistan has also increased its security measures. Its critical infrastructures such as airports, seaports, offices, and residential complexes that are often frequented by foreign nationals are under close surveillance by the authorities. The intelligence report further indicates that ISKP militants have been actively scouting these areas, maybe plotting attacks to cause havoc during the high-profile cricket tournament.

How terrorists plan to attack foreign nationals

The intelligence report also warns that ISKP operatives are renting bungalows on the outskirts of big cities to utilize as 'safe houses' for their activities. They are trying to entice foreign tourists to visit these locations and make them susceptible to kidnapping. There is also a fear that terrorists will attack in the dead of night, kidnapping innocent tourists.

Previous attacks cause concerns

Pakistan has a history of terrorist attacks on foreign citizens and sports teams. In 2009, the Sri Lankan cricket team was attacked in Lahore, and in 2024, Chinese engineers were attacked in Shangla. All this has brought security concerns regarding the ability of Pakistan to provide security, and to ensure that the security of players, officials, and spectators is ensured during the Champions Trophy, security arrangements have been enhanced.

Turning Point: Bangladesh vs. New Zealand Against the backdrop of security issues, the tournament goes on with a critical match between New Zealand and Bangladesh on February 24 in Rawalindi. New Zealand approaches the match on a high following their win against Pakistan in the first match, while Bangladesh needs to win at all costs after losing to India. A Bangladesh loss would pretty much seal their fate out of the semifinal spot, making this match a high-pressure fixture.