Pakistan’s Intelligence Bureau has issued a high alert due to a suspected kidnapping plot targeting foreign guests during the Champions Trophy 2025, involving groups like TTP and ISIS. While most teams are playing in Pakistan, India’s team is competing in Dubai, as tensions regarding security persist. To ensure safety, 12,000 police officers will be deployed in Lahore and Rawalpindi. The PCB has organized charter flights for fans and teams. Following defeats, including a loss to India, the Pakistan cricket team’s support staff under Aaqib Javed is expected to face significant changes after the tournament.
Pakistan’s Intelligence Bureau (IB) has issued a significant alert following the discovery of a purported scheme by “active covert groups” to abduct foreign guests during the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025. With the exception of India, all other teams are currently competing in Pakistan, and should India not make it to the final, the championship match will also take place in the country. However, a report from CNN-News18 indicates that alerts have been issued against several terrorist organizations “including Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), ISIS, and various Balochistan-based groups” following threats regarding potential kidnapping attempts. The report mentioned that security forces “have assigned high-level protection squads, including rangers and local police”.
The Indian cricket team is playing all its matches in Dubai after the Indian government opted not to send them to Pakistan. If India advances to the semifinal and final of the tournament, both matches will also be held in Dubai, with the opposing team traveling from Pakistan.
Security remains a critical concern regarding international sports events in Pakistan, particularly following the attack on the Sri Lankan team in 2009. Although the Indian team declined to travel to Pakistan for the event, the PCB has asserted that it has implemented additional measures to guarantee the security of other visiting teams.
Local media reports indicate that an impressive 12,000 police officers and personnel will be deployed during the matches in Lahore and Rawalpindi. This force will consist of 18 senior officers, 54 DSPs, 135 inspectors, 1,200 upper subordinates, 10,556 constables, and over 200 female police officers.
In addition to security personnel, the PCB has organized special charter flights through Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) for fans and participating teams. These flights will reportedly run between Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore to facilitate smooth transportation for players and other high-profile guests throughout the tournament.
Meanwhile, the backlash resulting from the disappointing performance in the Champions Trophy, including a crushing defeat to India, has significantly impacted the Pakistan team, and its support staff led by former fast bowler Aaqib Javed is expected to undergo major changes, as per a source from the cricket board.
Pakistan was defeated by its arch-rivals India by six wickets in Dubai on Sunday, following a 60-run loss to New Zealand in the Champions Trophy opener in Karachi on February 19.
A reliable source within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has stated that Aaqib is anticipated to be relieved of his responsibilities as interim head coach after the Champions Trophy.
(With PTI inputs)
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